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Winter storm blog: Plows busy as cold keeps snow from melting

Indianapolis DPW contractors hope to have most streets plowed by Saturday evening.

INDIANAPOLIS — A major snow storm hit central Indiana Thursday. Check out the latest Live Doppler 13 Weather Forecast, check out the weather conditions in your neighborhood with our Interactive Radar or watch a live stream of Live Doppler 13 Radar. You can also check the list of closings and delays during the 2022 winter storm and the latest on road conditions with travel advisories and where plows have been in Indianapolis.

There are multiple ways to share photos with us from your area:

  • Message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
  • Text them to 317-655-5740.
  • Submit them through the Live Doppler 13 Weather app and WTHR news app.

This page will be updated regularly so refresh this page often for the latest news on the storm.

RELATED: Friday Sunrise Live Doppler 13 forecast

Live Doppler 13 Radar

Latest updates:

3:07 p.m. - The Indianapolis Department of Public Works reports that contracted crews addressing residential streets countywide have completed their single pass along most if not all routes in Washington, Lawrence, Perry, Decatur, Wayne, and Pike townships. All contracted work is expected to be complete by tonight, including ongoing operations in Warren, Franklin, and Center townships. 

11:15 a.m. - INDOT snow plow camera shows conditions north of Crawfordsville on U.S. 231:

Credit: INDOT
INDOT snow plow on U.S. 231 north of Crawfordsville, Ind. Saturday morning, Feb. 5, 2022.

11 a.m. - Live Doppler 13 Weather Blog update

Lindsey Monroe says the sunshine today will do little to melt the snowpack as a bitter cold air mass keeps high temperatures in the low 20s. After today, though, we will have several days next week with high temperatures above freezing. That will help melt a good portion of the snow that fell over the past few days.

RELATED: Live Doppler 13 Weather Blog: How long does snow stick around?

7:30 a.m. Live Speedway Traffic Center update

5:15 a.m. Saturday - The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) expects that most, if not all, residential streets that vendor trucks are contracted to plow will be serviced by Saturday evening. 

Vendors are contracted for a single pass along each of the approximately 4,400 lane miles of public, residential streets in neighborhoods across Indianapolis.

Contractors have been working overnight and will continue to plow this morning on residential streets in neighborhoods all across Marion County. The routes identified by Indy DPW as the "Connector" network  have already been confirmed complete, along with many other neighborhood streets.

Indy DPW encourages motorists who park along public, residential roadways to "hug the curb" when parking, or to park in off-street locations, if possible, to allow contracted plows maximum space on tighter, residential streets.

DPW's Snow Force fleet of 80 trucks will continue to address thoroughfares and secondary streets, hoping to build on momentum from sunny skies Friday which helped melt snow and dry plowed pavement. Cold temperatures are expected throughout the rest of the weekend, which could cause roadways to remain slippery. 

Routes plowed by contractors are not represented on Indy's Snow Force Viewer map, which shows thoroughfares where Indy Snow Force vehicles have recently plowed.

Residents are asked to clear the area around their mailboxes and the sidewalks in front of their residences, businesses, or other properties. 

IFD requests that fire hydrants covered by plows be cleared to assist in an emergency response.

Credit: Tom Spreacker
Help firefighters help you by clearing snow around your fire hydrant. Credit: Tom Spreacker

RELATED: Plow drivers are still working to get Indianapolis streets clear

Friday updates:

8:15 p.m. - The 500 Festival 3-Miler scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to road conditions. 

Officials said snow and ice on the planned route led to the cancellation of the run, which is part of the 500 Festival Miler Series presented by OrthoIndy. Participants will receive information via email on how they can complete their run virtually through Feb. 13. Podium Series participants will be able to pick up their t-shirts at the 6-Miler on March 5.

6:00 p.m. - The cleanup continues in Howard County

1:30 p.m. - The Indiana Department of Health announced its plans to reopen state-run COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics around the state.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway clinic will be open Saturday, Feb. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. People who had an appointment scheduled between 8 a.m. and noon will be contacted to reschedule for the afternoon.

State-run clinics will be open Saturday in LaPorte, Porter, Pulaski, St. Joseph, Huntington, Shelby, Madison, Howard, Vermillion, Jackson, Ripley, Clark and Daviess counties.

Clinics scheduled for Cass, DeKalb, Fountain/Warren, Knox, Morgan, Vigo and Brown counties will remain closed Saturday.

11:00 a.m. - IMPD said that since the winter storm began, officers have responded to 94 crashes, 51 slide offs and 89 disabled vehicles.

10:00 a.m. - Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said 172 contractors will work on 4,400 lane miles of residential roadways, which is beyond the regular 4,000 road miles that are maintained under standard Department of Public Works routes. 

"While the contracted plows will help us finish out the event, I cannot say enough and certainly cannot forget the women and the men of Indy DPW's Snow Force, who have really been in this from the very beginning," Hogsett said.

Officials are asking people to move their vehicles off the streets so the contractors can move the snow on residential streets more easily. Residents are also expected to clear their sidewalks.

9:55 a.m. - Conner Prairie will remain closed Friday, Feb. 4. Indoor experiences will reopen Saturday, Feb. 5.

9:20 a.m. - The Eiteljorg Museum will remain closed on Friday, Feb. 4 due to hazardous travel conditions. The museum said it expects to reopen on Saturday but advised checking Eiteljorg.org for updates.

9:15 a.m. - Indianapolis' official snowfall total for Thursday was 7.3 inches. That set a new daily snowfall record for Feb. 3, the National Weather Service Indianapolis tweeted.

9:10 a.m. - The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles tweeted that several of its branches throughout the state will operate on a delayed start on Friday. Those locations will open at 10 a.m. An updated list of current branch closures can be found at this link.

8:30 a.m. - Power outage update:

  • AES Indiana now reports six customers without power in the Indianapolis area.
  • Duke Energy reports over 900 costumers without power in the Kokomo area.

8:30 a.m. - The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is closed on Friday, Feb. 4 due to weather conditions.

7 a.m. - AES Indiana reports just over 850 power outages on the east side of Indianapolis, near the intersection of Emerson and Massachusetts Avenues. An outage map shows an estimated restoration time of 8 a.m.

6:30 a.m. - Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians and Franciscan Infusion Services are open on Friday. All other Franciscan Physician Network offices are closed on Friday, but will offer access to patients through phone and virtual visits and messaging.

5:15 a.m. - Indianapolis DPW update:

Contractors began plowing in various locations across Marion County, planning to address approximately 4,400 lane miles of smaller, residential roadways not serviced by Snow Force crews.

Vendors are contracted for a single pass along each public, residential street, including both the "Connector" network of streets and beyond, in neighborhoods across Indianapolis. 

If you park along public, neighborhood roadways, be advised that contracted plows will make a single pass through each street. DPW encourages drivers to "hug the curb" when parking, or to park off the streets, if possible, to give allowing contracted plows more space to move.

You will not see routes plowed by contractors on Indy's Snow Force Viewer map, which shows the thoroughfares where city-owned plows drive.

5 a.m. - Driving camera

13News photographer Scott Graber is driving Indianapolis streets this morning and tweeted from the dashboard camera near the State Fairgrounds. Plows have made some progress on Fall Creek Parkway.

4:45 a.m. - Power outage update:

  • Duke Energy reports 80 customers out near Whiteland, but less than 100 total outages statewide.
  • AES has two customers in the dark in greater Indianapolis.
  • Indiana-Michigan Power shows 7 customers without power north of Anderson.

13News Karen Campbell provides an update from Franklin:

4:30 a.m. - More than 440 schools and businesses are closed this morning. 

LINK: Current closing list

3:30 a.m. - Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine posted an early morning road update for the Indianapolis district. "I have not seen pavement yet today," he said.

The other highlights:

  • Plow crews are still working full force in central Indiana.
  • Crash reports are down "substantially" as people are heeding advice to stay off the roads.
  • Allow extra time if you have to be out today. 

12:15 a.m. - All lanes of Interstate 65 south are closed at the 78.6 mile marker in Bartholomew County due to a semi crash. INDOT reported the lanes were re-opened a short time later. 

12:00 a.m. - Here's our latest update on road conditions across Indiana.

Thursday, Feb. 3 updates

11:11 p.m. - Some IndyGo routes will see adjustments Friday.

8:18 p.m. - Between calls for service and other tasks Thursday, Noblesville officers were digging out parked cars!

7:46 p.m. - Metro Police were busy helping motorists Thursday. 

7:35 p.m. - The IMS Museum will be closed again on Friday, Feb. 4. 

5:40 p.m. - You can check out what streets plows have hit in Indianapolis by clicking here.

5:30 p.m. - We are trying to focus on spring – really trying.

5:17 p.m. - This is AWESOME! IMS President Doug Boles snowboarding the backstretch at IMS.

4:55 p.m. - Ball State University’s campus will be closed until 7 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5. All courses will be held online. All nonessential employees should work remotely as much as possible.

4:47 p.m. - The Marion County Public Health Department will remain closed on Friday, Feb. 4.

4:41 p.m. - Snowball fight!

4:25 p.m. - Sean Ash, rolling up his sleeves and helping an IndyGo bus get going.

4:20 p.m. - Hancock County Government offices will be closed Friday, Feb. 4. They will reopen on Monday morning at 8 a.m.

3:43 p.m. - Boone County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency and upgraded its travel advisory to red beginning at 5 p.m.

Under a red (warning) level, travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. 

Click here to see the latest state map of travel advisories.

3:30 p.m. - Kroger tells 13News it has been working to restock store shelves during the winter storm and stores will be back to normal soon.

3:20 p.m. - Kids give us a chance to be kids again.

3:12 p.m. - Indianapolis DPW will call out contractors to help with snow clearing on residential streets. Contractors will not go to work until the snow stops, which will likely be Friday morning. 

The contractors will clear approximately 4,400 miles of smaller, residential roadways.

3:09 p.m. - The winds will keep the roads a mess into Friday.

3:00 p.m. - Well, we have up to 12 more hours of this according to Sean.

2:55 p.m. - It's just before 3 p.m. and here are some of the official snow totals so far:

2:40 p.m. - Good advice for when you are the kids are playing outside:

Here are some warning signs of cold exposure:

Frostbite:

  • Numbness
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • A white or grayish-yellow skin area

Hypothermia:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion, fumbling hands
  • Memory loss or slurred speech
  • Drowsiness

2:30 p.m. - Indianapolis Public Schools will continue with remote learning for all students and staff on Friday, Feb. 4. 

Meal distribution will not be available on Friday. 

Student athletes should check with coaches on an the status of practices, games or meets.

2:15 p.m. - Tippecanoe County government offices will be closed on Friday, Feb. 4.

2:06 p.m. - Indiana State Police troopers in the Indianapolis District have responded to 45 crashes, 22 slide-offs and 28 drivers needing assistance.

1:53 p.m. - Thanks to all the firefighters out there braving the heat and cold.

1:50 p.m. - Here's a good reminder to make sure your car is cleared off if you do head out on the roads.

1:47 p.m. - Our reporters are going back to school on this snowy day. 

1:46 p.m. - Still several more hours to go.

1:41 p.m. - You know what they say about all work and no play. Looks like Taylor had a blast sledding and hanging out with Butler Blue.

1:30 p.m. - I-70 West is closed near the Putnam-Morgan county line due to an accident involving several semis. 

1:26 p.m. - If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids over the next few days in all this snow, check out these fun ideas:

1:05 p.m. - I-65 North is closed at State Road 28 in Clinton County due to a jackknifed semi.

12:50 p.m. - If you've already shoveled like Dustin, you're gonna have to do it at least one more time.

12:40 p.m. - The only "juice" we want to see at this point is the fermented kind...

12:29 p.m. - These workers could teach a lesson on keeping pathways clear around a campus.

12:25 p.m. - The Indiana Department of Health announced all state-run COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics will be closed Friday. This includes the clinic across from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

People with appointments will be notified with instructions to reschedule. 

12:25 p.m. - Thank you for all you're doing today troopers.

12: 20 p.m. - All Kokomo city offices will remain closed today and re-open for normal business hours on Friday, Feb 4.  

12:16 p.m. - Every county in Indiana is under a travel advisory, watch or warning.

Click here to see the latest map.

11:52 a.m. - A tow truck driver could become your new best friend if you venture out.

11:27 a.m. - Neither snow nor rain nor...

Credit: WTHR

11:22 a.m. - Stay warm out there.

11:20 a.m. - Cannot stress this enough:

11:19 a.m. - Jennie Runevitch said I-69 is a mess in Morgan County.

11:17 a.m. - The ramp from I-65 North to State Road 267 in Boone County is closed due to a semi stuck in the snow. 

11:03 a.m. - A crash on I-69 south near 106th street in Fishers has the left lane blocked. 

10:55 a.m. - There are gonna be a lot of big snow piles around parking lots for weeks to come.

10:49 a.m. - I-74 is now closed in both direction north of Shelbyville due to jackknifed semis.

10:35 a.m. - Dave Calabro found drivers struggling to get onto I-465 on the east side.

10:28 a.m. - Multiple jackknifed semis on I-74 west in the western part of Decatur County has all lanes closed. Traffic is being diverted near Greensburg. 

10:23 a.m. - Kelly and Julia have an update on the forecast.

10:20 a.m. - The Anderson City website no longer shows power outages for the area. Earlier this morning there were more than 4,300 people without power.

10:10 a.m. - All lanes of eastbound I-74 are closed north of Shelbyville due to a jackknifed semi.

10:03 a.m. - A word of caution when you go out to shovel the driveway.

RELATED: Keep these tips in mind for safely shoveling snow

9:52 a.m. - This is another reminder to play it safe, leave early and go slow on the roadways. 

9:41 a.m. - Karen Campbell said freezing rain and blowing snow is making things unbearable in Bargersville.

9:36 a.m. - Duke Energy has nearly 1,500 workers ready to restore customers’ power as soon as weather conditions permit crews to work safely. Those workers include Duke Energy crews normally based in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The storm’s severity and hazardous road conditions could delay customers getting their power restored.

9:28 a.m. - lol

9:23 a.m. - Ice to the south and gusty winds are part of the mess today from the winter storm.

9:20 a.m. - Lots of people waking up to ice-covered cars.

9:13 a.m. - Here's a look at pictures shared with 13News of the winter weather in the past 24 hours.

RELATED: See photos from central Indiana's winter storm

8:55 a.m. - The roads are definitely getting worse.

Click here for the latest travel advisories.

8:48 a.m. - Emergency crews are handling a crash on I-70 west between Division Street and Harding Street in Indianapolis. The left lane is blocked.

8:38 a.m. - John Doran found people in Lafayette already up and out clearing their driveways.

8:24 a.m. - More than 4,300 people are without power in Anderson. Duke energy is reporting about 1,300 customers without power. 

8:20 a.m. - West Lafayette PD is again asking people to stay home and off the roads.

8:12 a.m. - When you're shoveling the driveway – don't forget to do around the hydrants as well.

8:08 a.m. - In the last 12 hours, ISP troopers with the Putnamville post responded to 13 motorists in need of assistance, seven slide-offs, and seven accidents with property damage.

8:00 a.m. - A crash on I-65 north between Edgewood Avenue and Thompson Road on the south side has the right lane blocked.

7:55 a.m. - Please be safe if you have to head out on the roads. Leave early, take your time, and leave room for the snow plows to clear the roads.

7:45 a.m. - A good reminder that you should NOT call 911 for traffic updates.

7:35 a.m. - Lindsey Monroe is finding very slippery and snow-covered roads on the south side.

7:29 a.m. - There is a disabled semi on I-70 west between Ronald Reagan Parkway and IN-267. The center lanes are blocked.

7:25 a.m. - There's a crash on I-465 north near West 21st Street. The right lane is blocked.

7:21 a.m. - Emergency crews are helping an INDOT driver in Boone County after a plow truck rolled over.

7:18 a.m. - If you are in need of a place to go during the winter storm, Wheeler Mission can help.

7:15 a.m. - There are now more than 450 closing and delays.

7:10 a.m. - Crews are working a crash on I-465 north between East 71st Street and Binford Boulevard. The right two lanes will be blocked for a couple hours.

7:03 a.m. - Sean says we'll be feeling the effects of the winter storm into the weekend.

6:56 a.m. - Here are the updated snow totals expected for today.

6:52 a.m. - Franciscan Physician Network practices in central Indiana will be closed Thursday. Franciscan ExpressCare locations in the Indianapolis area 

and Greenwood (Madison Avenue) are expected to open at 10 a.m. Thursday. Franciscan ExpressCare Stones Crossing in Greenwood will be closed Thursday.

Franciscan/Alverno Laboratories Outpatient Labs and Patient Service Centers, including 5230 E. Stop 11, will be closed.Outpatient therapy including physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy locations in central Indiana will be closed.

Franciscan Health Indianapolis Outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation will be closed Thursday.

Franciscan Senior Promise and Insurance Services offices will be closed Thursday.

Franciscan Health’s COVID-19 testing site at 1040 Sierra Drive, Greenwood, will be closed Thursday.

Franciscan WorkingWell Greenwood will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

6:51 a.m. - Yes, please go slow and give road and emergency crews room to work safely. 

6:45 a.m. - Cierra Putman found slow going on the way to Mooresville, but said the work the road crews are doing is helping.

6:44 a.m. - Indiana State Police troopers are working a crash on I-65 south in the northern part of Bartholomew County. An overturned semi is blocking the left lane.

6:35 a.m. - A crash on I-465 west at South Emerson Ave. and South 9th St. has the right shoulder closed for the next hour.

6:20 a.m. - City of Lawrence offices are closed Thursday. 

6:10 a.m. - The winter storm has landed heavier on other parts of the Midwest compared to central Indiana thus far.

By midday Wednesday, some places had already reported snow totals exceeding or nearing a foot, including the central Illinois town of Lewistown with 14.4 inches (36.6 centimeters) and the northeastern Missouri city of Hannibal with 11.5 inches (29.2 centimeters).

“And it’s still snowing across these areas,” said Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.

Central Illinois and northern Indiana appeared likely to receive the most snowfall, with expected totals ranging from 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) by the end of Thursday, Orrison said.

Snow had begun to taper off in Missouri by early afternoon but much of the state could wind up with 8 inches to a foot (20 to 30 centimeters) of snow. Parts of Michigan also could snow totals around a foot by Thursday.

RELATED: Winter storm packing snow, freezing rain moves across US

6 a.m. - Duke Energy is reporting 964 customers without power in Indiana at this hour. Most of those customers are in Bloomington, Bedford and along a stretch of S.R. 109 between Pendleton and Knightstown.

Only one customer was in the dark in Indianapolis, according to AES.

Indiana Michigan Power reported a handful of customers without power in Ft. Wayne but none in its central Indiana service area.

5 a.m. - Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) provided a status update while urging commuters to work from home and stay off the roadways if possible.

"Substantive snow accumulation across Indianapolis" was reported across Indianapolis beginning at around 4 a.m. Coupled with Wednesday's rain, snow crews were unable to pre-treat roads with salt and slick conditions have developed.

Residents are encouraged to avoid travel and give plow drivers room to clear roads, leaving at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks. Residents who park cars along DPW's regular plow routes are advised to park off-street if possible since plows will often move snow into parking lanes.

DPW announced Wednesday that all trash, heavy trash, and curbside recycling services would be suspended for Thursday, February 3, and Friday, February 4. More information is here. Normal Saturday operations have also been suspended for the Citizens' Transfer Station and for the rotating ToxDrop  location for Saturday, February 5.

If a roadway is impassable due to high water or a downed tree limb, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor's Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option '2'.

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events. The Indy Snow Force Viewer will be activated as trucks plow snow from roads during this winter weather event. The Indy Snow Force Viewer shows where roads have been plowed or treated with salt. 

4:50 a.m. - Jackson County just issued a Travel Warning. Officials said roads are nearly impassable due to the freezing rain that is currently falling. Freezing rain will continue for extended periods. Also, as temperatures continue to drop, snow is still expected in the area. 

4:40 a.m. - You can check your county's current travel status on the Indiana county travel map.

Credit: IDHS
Indiana county travel status map at 4:40 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022.

At 4:40 a.m. Thursday, 23 Indiana counties were under a Travel Warning, the highest level of local travel advisories. During a Travel Warning, shown in red on the Homeland Security map, individuals should refrain from all travel and comply with necessary emergency measures and comply with directions from law enforcement.

Another 28 counties were under a Travel Watch (orange), meaning only essential travel is recommended, such as to or from work or for emergencies. Businesses and schools should be implementing emergency action plans.

LINK: PDF map of current county travel status (Refresh your browser to update the map)

4:19 a.m. - Bargersville Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Michael Pruitt shared an update on conditions in Johnson County. Pruitt said snow started picking up in the area around 4 a.m.

4:18 a.m. - All westbound lanes of Interstate 74 are closed on either side of Shelbyville by semi crashes. Northwest of Shelbyville near the 105 mile marker in Shelby County. a jackknifed semi has all westbound lanes closed between Fairland and London Road.

Viewer Sean Syberg shared this image of that crash:

Credit: Sean Syberg
Jackknifed semi on I-74 at the 104 mile marker east of the London Road Thursday morning, Feb. 3, 2022.

Southeast of Shelbyville at the 119 mile marker, a semi and box truck crash has all westbound lanes blocked southeast of the State Road 244 exit. 

Authorities are investigating both crashes and have not confirmed any injuries.

3:59 a.m. - Heavy snow is now falling on State Road 67 near the Mooresville area and roads are snow-covered.

3:54 a.m. - Sleet is currently falling in Johnson County in the Franklin area.

3:22 a.m. - Sgt. John Perrine, Public Information Officer for the Indiana State Police in Central Indiana, posted a video update to Facebook on road conditions in the area. Perrine said that while main roads in northern Hamilton County have been cleared, they can still be hazardous due to ice. 

2:30 a.m road conditions update

Posted by John Perrine - Indiana State Police Indianapolis District on Wednesday, February 2, 2022

2:57 a.m.- The city of Marion announced that on Thursday its administrative offices will be closed and Mar­i­on Tran­sit will not be run­ning.

2:53 a.m.- Monroe County has put a travel watch in place. This means that conditions are threatening to public safety and only essential travel, such as to and from work or emergency situations, is recommended. Emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

2:47 a.m.- Wayne County Commissioners have closed all Wayne County Buildings Thursday and will be issuing a level 2 travel advisory for Wayne County at 6 a.m. Thursday, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. 

1:59 a.m. - Street crews in Franklin were out early Thursday morning, treating a slippery road surface.

Wednesday

11 p.m. - An update on road and street conditions around Indiana:

10:30 p.m. - Cars in downtown Indianapolis were covered in a stubborn layer of ice late Thursday.

10 p.m. - An update from Tippecanoe County

9:01 p.m. - Ray's Trash Service announced they will not be collecting trash on Thursday due to the weather. Trash pick-up will be on a one-day delay, with Thursday customers having their trash picked up on Friday and Friday pick-up taking place on Saturday.

8:50 p.m.- A drone video from the Boone County Sheriff's Office showed snow falling across the county. By 6 p.m., the county already had roughly 3 inches of snow and officers had responded to several slide-offs. Drivers are being reminded to drive "slower and with extreme caution." At this time, only essential travel is allowed, such as to and from work and in emergency situations. 

BCSO Weather Report 02/02/2022

A glimpse of what we saw early on this evening.. The snow is falling fast, which means you should drive slower and with extreme caution. Only essential travel is allowed at this time, such as to and from work and emergency situations. Stay safe and stay warm Boone County, IN. *Please remember to LIKE, SHARE, & FOLLOW the BCSO page to help spread the word and to receive alerts for when we go LIVE to keep you apprised of happenings in Boone County, IN.*

Posted by Boone County Indiana Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, February 2, 2022

8:15 p.m. - The Children's Museum of Indianapolis will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 3. The museum has also canceled the First Thursday Night event.

Events to celebrate Black History Month that were planned for Thursday will be rescheduled, according to a news release.

6:45 p.m. - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 3.

6:15 p.m. - Purdue University canceled in-person classes on the West Lafayette campus Thursday. Nonessential employees should not report for campus shifts.

UIndy's campus is closed through 6 a.m. on Feb. 4. A decision about classes on Friday will be made late Thursday or early Friday.

Ball State University is closing its campus effective 7 a.m. Thursday and reopening at 7 a.m. Friday. Courses will be held online. Nonessential employees should work remotely if possible.

6:05 p.m. - The travel advisory for Boone County has been elevated to orange status, meaning only essential travel, meaning driving to or from work or in the case of an emergency, is recommended. 

Carroll, Clinton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Putnam and Tippecanoe counties are among the central Indiana counties that are also under an orange-level travel advisory.

RELATED: View the IDHS travel advisory map

5:50 p.m. - Jennie Runevitch gives an update from Franklin, where the precipitation was still rain around 5:30 p.m. 

Cold rain with wind may be my least favorite weather. And that’s what we have right now, southsiders! (5:30pm) How is it in your neighborhood?

Posted by Jennie Runevitch on Wednesday, February 2, 2022

5:37 p.m. -  Indy Snow Force trucks are now hitting the roadways to treat them with salt since the rain as shifted to a wintry mix.

5:23 p.m. - Dave Calabro says sleet has arrived in Carmel.

5:09 p.m. - Sean is giving an update on timing and totals. He said this could be one of the bigger snow events in Indianapolis since 2014.

4:55 p.m. -  The Madison County Sheriff's Department said a 70-year-old Anderson man died in a crash Wednesday. The man's SUV went off the road at the intersection of CR 300 South and CR 500 West and hit a tree.

4:35 p.m. - Snow-covered roads in Tippecanoe County continue to be a problem for drivers.

Sean says this could be one of the larger snow events since January 2014.

4:15 p.m. - Marion County City-County offices will be closed in person Thursday. Indy Parks family centers listed here will remain open as warming centers during normal hours. 

3:45 p.m. - Franciscan ExpressCare at Stones Crossing in Johnson County will be closed Wednesday evening. The ExpressCare locations in Greenwood, Downtown CityWay and Thompson Commons are planning to remain open.

All Franciscan Physician Network practices in central Indiana will be closed Thursday. The system's COVID-19 testing site at 1040 Sierra Drive in Greenwood will also be closed Thursday. The testing location at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. in Indianapolis will tentatively be open, but that is subject to change with the weather. Patients must have a physician order ahead of time to be tested. 

3:30 p.m. - The Madison County Sheriff’s Department’s is investigating a deadly crash involving one vehicle at County Roads 300 South and 500 West. The car was traveling East on 300 S, left the roadway hitting a tree before coming to a rest. No other information was available at this time.

3:19 p.m. - More than half of Indiana's counties are now under a travel advisory as conditions deteriorate on the roadways.

Wayne County will go to a Level 2 Travel Watch at 6 a.m. on Thursday. It will be in effect until further notice.

Click here for the travel advisory map.

3:11 p.m. - The Indiana Department of Health announced all state-run COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics will be closed for the remainder of Wednesday and all day Thursday. People with appointments will get instructions on rescheduling. 

Additional updates to state-operated sites will be posted at www.coronavirus.in.gov and www.ourshot.in.gov.

3:10 p.m. - The Fountain Central boys JV/V basketball game at Covington on Feb. 3 has been postponed to Monday, Feb. 14, at Covington with a 6 p.m. JV start.

3:05 p.m. - Kelly Greene found sleet changing to snow in Tipton.

2:45 p.m. - A semi crash on I-65 near the Tippecanoe-Clinton County line closed all lanes for a time. The semi went over the guardrail and was hanging from an overpass. The crash was cleared and highway reopened around 2:45 p.m.

2:10 p.m. - Hamilton County Government buildings will close at 2 p.m. today and will remain closed through Thursday, Feb. 3.

The Hamilton County Council meeting that had been scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. has also been postponed. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.

2 p.m. - Sean Ash and Anne Marie Tiernon gave an update on weather conditions as this storm continues to move through Indiana.

1:38 p.m. - The Indianapolis Public Library will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed Feb. 3.

The Indianapolis Public Library will be closing at 2 pm today and will remain closed tomorrow, February 3, due to...

Posted by Indianapolis Public Library on Wednesday, February 2, 2022

1:30 p.m. - The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. It will also be closed to visitors on Thursday, Feb. 3.

1:25 p.m. - The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is suspending Thursday and Friday heavy trash and recycling pickup. Customers will get double service on their next service day.

Standard trash collection will allow extra bags of waste to be picked up next Thursday and Friday. They will need to be placed next to carts for pickup.

The Citizens Transfer Station will also be closed this Saturday.

12:50 p.m. - Riverside Park is prepared with over 1,200 pounds of food to distribute to the community. The pantry is open Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It will provide the usual pantry options, as well as boxes of staple foods. The site will also serve as a warming center.

Click here for a list of other warming centers.

12:44 p.m. - Warren Central sent out a tweet letting people know the girl's basketball sectional game with Cathedral and then sectional between Crispus Attucks and North Central are postponed until Friday, Feb. 4. The game start times will stay as 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

12:37 p.m. - The federal courthouses in Indianapolis, Evansville, New Albany, and Terre Haute will be closed to the public on Thursday.

All in-person proceedings scheduled for Feb. 3 will be rescheduled. Video and telephonic proceedings will still happen as scheduled unless a judge orders a change. 

12:30 p.m. - With snow moving into central Indiana, we're seeing decreased visibility and slick conditions.

12:25 p.m. - Latest forecast from 13News meteorologist Sean Ash.

12:10 p.m. - Meals on Wheels will deliver extra meals Wednesday, then stop deliveries on Thursday and Friday. The physical office will also be closed Thursday and Friday. Deliveries will resume Monday, Feb. 7.

12 p.m. - The Marion County Public Health Department announced changes to its operating schedule. The vital records office at 3838 N. Rural St. will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed Thursday.

The COVID-19 vaccine clinics located at the Martindale-Brightwood Branch Library, the College Avenue Branch Library, and at the IndyGo Julia M. Carson Transit Center will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed Thursday.

The drive-thru testing site located at 3838 N. Rural St. will close at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, then will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 3.

Everyone with scheduled appointments during the announced closures will be contacted to reschedule.

All MCPHD offices and clinics will be closed Thursday.

11:51 a.m. - The Indy Fuel game against Toledo is still a go for Wednesday evening, but the puck will now drop at 6 p.m. The decision to move the game time up was in response to weather concerns.

🚨 GAME UPDATE 🚨 Due to impending inclement weather, for everyone's safety, tonight's game start time has been moved to...

Posted by Indy Fuel on Wednesday, February 2, 2022

11:30 a.m. - The kind of precipitation you'll see over the next day will change depending on where you are in the state. To the north will primarily be snow, while Indianapolis will experience rain, wintry mix and snow. Bloomington will see mostly rain and a wintry mix.

It's all snow near I-65 and State Road 26.

Although Columbus is getting hit hard with rain much of the day Thursday, there is little concern for flooding from it. Bartholomew County's EMA Director said the runoff they may get will cause extremely minor flooding in fields near the river and have little to no impact on people. Flooding concerns will come 7-10 days after the storm when things melt and flow down their way.

11 a.m. - Gov. Eric Holcomb, alongside agency heads from INDOT, State Police, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, are sharing the state's preparations for the winter storm.

"In my five years here, this is the first, truly, statewide weather event that has prompted us to have a response effort statewide," Holcomb said. "It will require areas of expertise in different areas at different times, and we just ask for your cooperation."

INDOT said it has 215,000 tons of salt and 1.5 million gallons of brine to battle the storm. INDOT has a full callout, with nearly 1,000 trucks that have already started treating the roads. More than 1,500 employees will work in 12-hour shifts.

"Because of the rain before the snow in most cases — not all cases — INDOT will not be able to pre-treat the roads in the most effective way," INDOT commissioner Joe McGuinness said. "Because of this, highways, they will develop slick spots, and the snow will stick to the highways."

Click here for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's latest travel advisories, watches and warnings.

"It's incredibly important that when the storm hits and there are extreme conditions within particular counties, that folks stay off the roads in order for the INDOT teams and the local municipal or county teams that are clearing the roadways to be allowed to get out there and clear those roadways unimpeded," IDHS executive director Steve Cox said.

10:15 a.m. - Click here to see camera shots from INDOT snow plows as they work to clear roads around the state.

10:05 a.m. - Duke Energy is reporting more than 400 power outages in Noblesville near State Road 37 and Greenfield Avenue. To see the full outage map, click here.

9:40 a.m. - Nearly 200 school systems announced closures for Tuesday. Many districts opt for e-learning days instead of full cancellations.

Additionally, Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier announced city offices will close at 2 p.m. today. They will remain closed through Thursday. Emergency & Public Safety personnel are reporting for work as scheduled.

Lafayette is already seeing snow as temperatures drop.

WATCH: Winter storm update as of Wednesday at 9 a.m.

9 a.m. - Chuck Lofton updated snow total predictions. Now, he is forecasting the Indianapolis metro to get 6-9 inches, while northern Indy and north suburbs are looking at 9-12 inches.

7 a.m. - A Winter Storm Warning officially went into effect for central Indiana. It will remain in effect until 1 a.m. Friday.

Updates from Tuesday, Feb. 1:

Lafayette's mayor declared a snow emergency for the city beginning Tuesday at noon. The city is projected to get up to 15 inches of snow. During a snow emergency, residents are required to move their cars from marked snow emergency routes within 12 hours of a snow emergency declaration. Vehicles that are not moved are at risk of being towed.

In Indianapolis, DPW will have 200 workers prepared to help with clearing city streets. Outside contractors will be on standby to clear secondary streets, but will likely not be called in until the snow and drifting has stopped, which will likely be Friday. The city estimates it has 11,000 tons of salt on hand and that nearly all salt barns are at capacity. DPW asks drivers to not cut off snowplows, and to slow down and give them room to work.

   

Beech Grove announced closures to some facilities:

  • Elton H. Geshwiler Senior Center closed at 4 p.m. Tuesday and will reopen at 9 a.m. Feb. 7.
  • Hornet Park Community Center closes at 8 a.m. Wednesday and reopens at 4 p.m. Friday.
  • City Hall closes Thursday at 8 a.m. and reopens Friday at 8 a.m.

Beech Grove trash pickup is on a regular schedule Wednesday.

Fire departments south of Indianapolis are asking for the public's help as they prep for the weather. Bargersville Fire is recruiting a team of volunteers right now who have snowmobiles and ATVs that can snake through a snowstorm and get access to people in need during a medical emergency. Vernon Township Fire in Hancock County is assembling a team of volunteers, too.

COVID-19 Vaccine and testing site closures

Multiple COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics announced changes in hours due to the weather. The vaccination site at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville will be closed all day Wednesday through Friday with operations resuming Monday. The testing site at the Hamilton County Health Department will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed through the weekend, with operations resuming Monday.

The Fishers Health Department's testing and mass vaccination site will be open during its normal hours on Wednesday and they will be closed Thursday. The health department has not yet made a decision on whether it will close the site on Friday, too.

The Boone County Health Department posted on Facebook saying the county is closing both its testing and vaccine clinics on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Madison County Health Department said all testing and vaccination is canceled for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at MCHD.

The Indiana Department of Health announced Tuesday that all state-run mobile clinics will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday. 

The clinic across from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and state-run mobile clinics in Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Pulaski, Huntington, DeKalb, Cass, Fountain/Warren, Shelby, Madison, Howard, Vigo and Vermillion counties will be closed Thursday.

 

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