Right out of the gate, our ongoing snowfall forecast remains unchanged:
Heavy, wet snow will continue through the majority of the day for central Indiana. At times, banding will produce snowfall rates in excess of 1″ per hour. On the southern periphery of the snow zone, a mixture of sleet and rain will mix in at times, but as precipitation rates increase, dynamic cooling will keep the predominant precipitation type as snow even on the southern tier.
Despite marginally cold pavement temperatures, the heavy snowfall rate is having no problem accumulating on area roadways and multiple traffic hazards have already been reported this morning, particularly in Boone County. If you don’t have to travel today, it’s best to remain at home.
As temperatures fall into the lower to middle 20s tonight, refreezing will occur and areas of black ice will develop, especially on untreated, secondary roadways.
The “big dig” will begin in earnest Sunday morning as dry conditions return and the added increasingly strong March sun angle will also help in clean up efforts by afternoon.
By the way, please keep your snow reports and photos coming!
Latest highlights:
We remain very impressed with the prospects of banding which could include snowfall rates of 1″ to 2″ per hour Saturday morning into the afternoon hours. With such snowfall intensity, even marginally cold surface/ pavement temperatures will allow for slick and hazardous travel across many central Indiana communities Saturday. Additionally, within localized heavier bands, don’t be surprised for a report or two of thundersnow across central Indiana. Please share your reports with us as things unfold tomorrow! Finally, an icy mixture of sleet and freezing rain will also mix with the snow at times along the southern periphery.
Snow will continue to fall through the overnight and into Wednesday morning before eventually diminishing across eastern parts of the state early Wednesday afternoon. At times, snow will be heavy and we continue to expect tough travel tonight into the daytime Wednesday across southern and eastern Indiana. When shoveling and cleaning things up Wednesday, remember this snow event will take on a heavy, wet characteristic.
As mentioned in this morning’s video update, the longer range pattern is one that continues to suggest colder than average temperatures will rule the day. Until we can shake that negative NAO we don’t anticipate any major improvements in this pattern. Remember, we’re only the messenger… 🙂
While major travel problems aren’t expected, a slushy accumulation is possible along the I-70 stretch early Tuesday morning.
Our initial first-stab at accumulations includes a band of 3″ to 6″ amounts across far eastern parts of the state, and it’s within this zone that we’ll likely see a few 6″+ reports before things begin to wind down late Wednesday morning into the early afternoon. Somewhere between New Castle and Richmond very well may end up being the winner with this event.
Given the unseasonably cold March ongoing, along with expected snowfall intensity, accumulation on roadways and travel problems are expected to develop Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across eastern Indiana. We recommend having travel completed before sunset Tuesday evening if your travels take you to, or through, far eastern Indiana.