BEDFORD — A widespread winter storm swept across Southern Indiana on Saturday, December 13, leaving behind a starkly varied landscape of snow totals, according to reports from local sources and the National Weather Service (NWS)-Indianapolis. While some south-central areas measured over six inches of fresh powder, nearby cities saw significantly lower accumulations, underscoring the localized nature of the system.
South-Central Region Hit Hardest
The most substantial snowfall accumulations were reported in a belt stretching across the south-central portion of the state. Towns like French Lick (6.5 inches), Paoli (6.1 inches), and Taswell (6 inches) led the pack, solidifying the NWS reports of heavy accumulation in this area.
- Highest Accumulations (5-6.5 inches):
- French Lick: 6.5″
- Paoli: 6.1″
- Taswell: 6″
- Washington: 6″
- Bedford: 5.8″
- Bloomfield: 5.8″
- Fredericksburg: 6.2″
Several other locations, including Borden, Charlestown, Orleans, New Albany, and Palmyra, also recorded totals of 5.0 inches, contributing to a difficult travel day across the region.
Moderate to Lower Totals North and East
Moving north and east, the snowfall amounts moderated significantly. Cities like Bloomington, often a nexus for winter activity, registered a solid but less extreme 3.8 inches, placing it in the moderate category. Western parts of the region, such as Vincennes and Terre Haute (the latter reported approximately 2-3.5 inches, though not listed in the detailed breakdown, its general area saw lower numbers), also experienced lighter amounts.
- Moderate Totals (3-4.5 inches):
- Bicknell: 4.4″
- Sullivan: 4.2″
- Jasper: 4″
- Bloomington: 3.8″
- Vincennes: 3.5″
- Unionville: 3″
Along the eastern edge, totals dipped even further, indicating that the heaviest precipitation band tracked narrowly through the state’s interior.
- Lowest Reported Totals (1.6-2.6 inches):
- Huntingburg: 2.6″
- Sellersburg: 2.3″
- Ferdinand: 2.3″
- Vevay: 2″
- Seymour: 2″
- Aurora: 1.6″
Hazardous Conditions Reported
The storm’s impact was not limited to snow depth. High winds accompanied the system, leading to reports of blowing snow and icy roads, making travel extremely hazardous throughout the central and southern parts of Indiana. Local law enforcement advised against non-essential travel in the most heavily affected areas due to low visibility and slick conditions.
The disparity in snowfall highlights the challenge of winter weather forecasting in the region, where a slight shift in a storm’s track can mean the difference between two inches of snow and over six. Residents are advised to monitor weather updates as clean-up efforts continue and temperatures are expected to drop overnight, increasing the risk of black ice.
