Updated 12.19.22 @ 5:46p
Type: Severe Winter Weather
What: Heavy snow, blizzard conditions, dangerously cold temperatures
When: Thursday PM through Saturday
Temperatures: Falling from the lower 40s (Thursday afternoon) to 0° to 10° below zero (Friday morning).
Wind: WSW 15-25 MPH, increasing to 25-40 MPH with gusts to 55-60 MPH
Blowing/ Drifting: Severe
Pavement Impacts: Plowing and salting will be required throughout the region.
Summary: Normally, we wait another 24 hours closer to the onset of the storm before we initiate our official Client Briefs, but the combination of the intensity of this storm along with the timeframe when many folks will have travel plans, we wanted to get this product out earlier than normal. We strongly encourage having travel completed by Thursday evening.
In short, a severe winter storm continues to look like it’ll take aim on the region as we navigate the day Thursday. Rain is expected to develop during the day before mixing with and transitioning to snow Thursday night. Snow will become heavy at times Thursday night into the day Friday. Initially, this will be a heavy, wet snow, but as the arctic airmass engulfs the area, the “paste-like” snow will quickly transition to powder. Needless to say, the standard 10:1 measurements won’t work with this storm as the fluff factor kicks into high gear.
Unfortunately as this transition in snow type is taking place, winds will begin to increase. We anticipate major problems from severe blowing and drifting of snow by Friday, continuing through Christmas Eve. During the aforementioned time period, wind gusts in excess of 55 MPH will be possible. This will lead to impassable roadways across many areas, especially within the heavier snow zones below. Speaking of snow, we need another 24 – 36 hours before we can get more specific than included below. Areas across southern and eastern IN not currently within the “heavy snow zones” will still see several inches of accumulation and their own blowing/ drifting issues. Blizzard conditions can be expected across the entire area from a combination of the falling snow, snow already on the ground, and damaging wind gusts Friday into Christmas Eve. Drifts will be measured in feet, especially in the “open country.”
I’d like to encourage everyone to prepare for the bitterly cold airmass that will also grab headlines. Be thinking of ways to keep warm should you lose power. Unfortunately, with the expected wind, power outages will become an issue across the region. Please take the time now to inspect your winter storm safety kit and heed all products from the National Weather Service.
Confidence: High
Next Update: Tuesday morning (video discussion)
