INDIANA – Nearly 70 million people across the United States are under winter weather alerts. A powerful storm system is set to unleash a dangerous mix of snow, ice, and blizzard conditions. The storm, expected to produce winds gusting up to 50 mph, will bring treacherous travel conditions and the potential for widespread power outages, including in Indiana.
The storm’s impact will be felt across at least a dozen states, with the worst conditions expected to hit today. Snow will begin before 3 p.m., turning heavy at times, possibly mixed with sleet. Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches or more of snow and sleet are possible, accompanied by winds that could gust as high as 21 mph. Highs will be near 26°F, and the chance of precipitation is nearly certain at 100%.
As the storm intensifies, the precipitation will shift to snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 4 a.m. Early Monday morning, conditions are expected to remain dangerous, with sleet potentially falling heavily. Temperatures will drop to a low of around 23°F, with winds gusting up to 29 mph. New ice accumulation of less than 0.1 inches and 1 to 3 inches of additional snow or more and sleet is possible.
By Monday, the storm will continue, with snow potentially mixed with freezing rain before transitioning to all snow after 9 a.m. Highs will reach nearly 28°F, and while ice accumulation is expected to remain minimal, 1 to 3 inches of snow or more could accumulate. North winds will gust as high as 25 mph, further contributing to hazardous conditions.
As night falls, temperatures will plummet to around 13°F, with mostly cloudy skies and calm winds settling in. However, the lingering effects of the storm will likely persist, leaving many areas with hazardous road conditions and the ongoing threat of power outages.
Authorities advise residents to stay off the roads if possible and prepare for potential disruptions in power and travel.
