Jan. 4—Significant snow may fall in Boone County over the weekend and into Monday, but no one knows how much, because the storm’s exact track is not yet known.
Meteorologists agree that weekend travel and Monday’s work commute could be challenging and that temperatures will turn bitterly cold next week, with lows dipping below zero and highs not above 27 F.
“You always prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Boone County Commissioners President Don Lawson said of the potential snowfall.
The Weather Channel predicted 6 inches of snow on Sunday and Monday and advised against unnecessary travel.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a winter storm watch for 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday.
The NWS predicts more than 6 inches for all of Central Indiana but on Friday had yet to predict totals. Part of the problem is that sleet and ice are expected to mix with snow in the beginning and reduce snow accumulation. The storm will likely produce significant accumulations of sleet and freezing rain, especially south of Indianapolis. Subzero wind chills and the weight of ice and snow are expected to cause power outages.
The NWS suggests that travel should be delayed if possible and motorists should use extreme caution if travel is “absolutely necessary.”
Accuweather predicts a “colossal storm” with 6-18 inches of snow in Kansas and 6-12 inches in Indianapolis. Boone County is on the line between 6-12 inches and 3-6 inches on Accuweather’s map.
Boone County Emergency Management Director Mike Martin is prepared for the worst as a matter of course.
“I’m concerned,” he said about the impending storm. “I’m watching it and I’m taking it seriously. But I’m not letting social media ruin my judgement.”
There were posts on social media, Martin said Thursday, that predict far more snow than the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Weather Service do. And he cautions against panicking over them.
But he also suggests always being prepared during the winter.
“People should carry supplies in their cars,” he said, “a candle, flashlight, bottled water, enough provisions to be able to take care of yourself for a day or so in case emergency responders can’t reach you.”
“You just never know which direction the snow is all going to go,” Lawson said. Still, the Boone County Highway Department staff prepared its equipment for a significant storm and organized to operate 24 hours a day, just in case. “We don’t want to use it, but we want to be prepared.”
There are times that weather conditions prevent travel and the highway department trucks cannot operate. During some previous storms, so many vehicles slid on the roadways and crashed that the wreckage blocked the roads and there weren’t enough wreckers to clear them. Then emergency vehicles couldn’t get past the wreckage to those in need of medical or fire service.
Commissioners, Martin, and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department monitor road conditions during winter storms and may jointly issue a state of emergency for public safety.
A state of emergency means that Boone County residents are to remain in their homes except for emergencies. Commissioners have an absence excuse form for employees to give their employers afterward if needed.
Lawson urges everyone to stock up in advance on groceries, and other supplies they may need if snowed in for a few days.
And he asks folks to check on their neighbors, especially those who are elderly or ill, and ask if they need groceries, medicine, or help before and during winter storms.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Facebook page will be first to post announcements regarding a state of emergency, shelters opening for stranded motorists or related issues. The Lebanon Reporter, along with local television and radio stations, will also post those announcements.
For up-to-date weather information, visit the website at weather.gov/ind.
For state road conditions, visit the website at https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/.