LAWRENCE CO. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement for Lawrence County as a quick-moving cold front is expected to bring snow and freezing temperatures tonight into Friday morning. Snow is forecast to arrive in northwest central Indiana this evening and will gradually spread across the state, reaching Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Muncie by the late evening hours.
While snow will taper off by late overnight hours, accumulations of one to two inches are possible in some areas, with localized higher amounts. In particular, areas along the I-74 corridor are expected to see around one inch of snow, while lesser accumulations are expected southwest of the state.
For Lawrence County, there may be some mixing with rain before the precipitation transitions to snow, which could result in slightly lower snow totals. However, untreated surfaces are likely to become slick and snow-covered overnight. The NWS advises motorists to exercise caution while driving tonight and into early Friday morning, allowing extra time to reach destinations.
Wind chills are also expected to drop significantly by Friday morning, potentially reaching single digits or near zero at times, continuing into Saturday.
Potential Winter Storm on the Horizon
In addition to tonight’s weather, the NWS has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the Ohio Valley, predicting a potential winter storm that could impact the region on Sunday and Monday. This storm may bring widespread snowfall accumulations, and subzero wind chills are likely by the middle of next week.
Recalling the Great Blizzard of 1978
As winter weather takes hold, many Hoosiers will recall the infamous blizzard of 1978, a historic storm that remains a significant part of Indiana’s winter weather history.
large snowdrifts all across
the Ohio Valley. Photo provided by the National Weather Service.
The blizzard struck from January 25 to January 27, 1978, severely impacting the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, and parts of Southern Ontario. In Indianapolis, 15.5 inches of snow fell, bringing the total accumulation to 20 inches when combined with prior snowfall. Other areas saw up to 3 feet of snow. Winds gusting up to 111 miles per hour created drifts that nearly buried homes, while whiteout conditions and subzero wind chills caused widespread travel disruptions and tragic loss of life.
The storm claimed at least 51 lives in Ohio alone, and the storm’s severity led to a significant recovery challenge in the affected states. Muskegon, Michigan, reported 33.8 inches of snow due to lake-effect squalls following the blizzard.
As the winter season progresses, the NWS urges residents to stay informed and prepared for the possibility of severe weather. Stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during inclement conditions.
