Indianapolis is still getting unburied from the winter storm that hit earlier this week, but more snow is on the way.
The latest forecast for snowfall accumulations for Friday is about 2-4 more inches, according to the National Weather Service for Indianapolis. The heaviest snow should arrive in central Indiana on Friday afternoon with travel impacts expected.
“We’ve had 7.8 inches of snow so far … with what’s coming tomorrow, we could (total) somewhere between 9.8 and 11.8 for Indianapolis,” NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Jason Puma told IndyStar. “As far as next week we’re talking about continued cold weather and the snow’s sticking around since temperatures aren’t expected to get above freezing anytime soon.”
Winter weather advisory in effect for Indianapolis
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Friday, so be prepared for your evening commute.
The advisory is in effect for 24 hours from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous so plan on slippery road conditions.
The National Weather Service cautions drivers to slow down and be more careful while traveling. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
When will roads be plowed? The answer may be ‘never’
If you live on a side street in Indianapolis, the chances that your street will be plowed after a heavy snowfall vary between slim and none.
Indianapolis snow plowing updates: How long will it be before your road is finally plowed? The answer may be ‘never.’
How to track plow trucks in Indianapolis
During snow events, the Indy Snow Force map is activated to show real-time information about when roads were plowed. The winter weather operations team addresses more than 4,000 lane miles of thoroughfares, secondary streets and a network of residential streets.
Track Indy snow plows: How to track plows and the streets cleared in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana weather radar
How to check road conditions in Indianapolis
One method drivers in Central Indiana can check how safe the roads are online using INDOT’s CARS Program, which has useful information about road conditions, closures as well as width and weight restrictions.
The website features a color-coded map of Indiana’s main roadways, highlighting hazardous or difficult road conditions in purple, fair conditions in blue and good conditions in gray.
How drivers can prepare for bad winter weather in Indiana
Cars drive through snow and on icy roads in the late hours on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2022 in Indianapolis. A winter storm with negative temperatures threatens holiday travel.
Prepare for the reasonable worst-case scenario, which would include accumulating snow and brief travel impacts. When planning your commute for Wednesday, keep this in mind:
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🚨Watch for brake lights ahead of your from other vehicles
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↔️ Leave more space between cars
Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can depend largely on how well you’re prepared. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips:
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Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, “ice and snow, take it slow,” or just don’t go.
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Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
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Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad weather day.
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Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
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Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables and road flares.
Understanding winter storm warnings, watches and advisories
❗ Winter storm warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected. Take action. Confidence is high from meteorologists that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
⚠️ Winter weather watch: Snow, sleet, or ice is possible so be prepared. Confidence is medium from meteorologists that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
❄️ Winter weather advisory: Wintry weather is expected so exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis forecast has winter weather advisory, snow predictions