LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The good news: Snowstorms on Sunday and Monday likely won’t wallop the Lafayette area with up to 10 inches of snow.
The bad news: It will be a big storm followed by high winds and bitter cold temperatures.
“You’re still going to see snow, but the confidence that you’ll see 6 inches in Tippecanoe County is lower,” meteorologist Mike Ryan said early Friday afternoon from the National Weather Service’s Indianapolis office.
Snow is expected in the Lafayette area starting Sunday and continuing Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The area can expect between 3 and 6 inches of snow, followed by blustery conditions and bitter cold, but nothing like this file photo from Jan. 25, 2014.
The storm appears to be tracking in a more southern direction, which means it will arrive later in the day Sunday and dump less snow that initially thought, Ryan said, hedging his comments as the latest model that might change.
Ryan sees a lull in the snow overnight Sunday, but the snow returns Monday during the day with high winds, followed by much colder temperatures.
“When things are all said and done, I think we’re looking more on the order of 3 to 6 inches, but that’s still going to be problematic because of the blowing and drifting.”
David Siple, a local meteorologist and Purdue communication specialist for the College of Science, said, “Highs (Monday) around 25 tells me it’s going to be a fine snow that’s going to come with blowing and drifting.”
High winds from the north will kick up Monday, Siple said.
“I would expect east/west roads to become pretty bad Monday afternoon,” Siple said. “Then it turns downright cold Tuesday.”
“The snowpack and clear skies set up the bitter cold,” Siple said of the dangerously cold temperatures. “Right now, the low Wednesday night is around negative 2.”
The Climate Prediction Center indicates that temperatures will remain below normal for eight to 14 days, maybe two or three weeks, Siple said.
Winter watch or advisory? Check your weather app
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch on Thursday and affirmed the watch on Friday.
Ryan said National Weather Service meteorologists are reviewing forecasts for the Sunday/Monday storm and will update its forecast — and the storm watch status — later Friday or early Saturday. The watch might be reduced to a winter storm advisory for the Tippecanoe County area, he said.
Readers should check their weather apps for the latest updates on the storm and the forecast.
Purdue versus Northwestern basketball game Sunday
Those traveling south to West Lafayette for Sunday’s Purdue versus Northwestern basketball game might be in luck. The Chicago area is expecting snow amounts from a trace up to 3 inches, Siple said.
“Here, we’re going to be stacking up snow throughout the game,” Siple said of the snow with a hint of optimism that the prestorm road treatments will melt much of Sunday’s snows and keep the roads drivable.
“Lafayette southward is going to be the more concerning area,” Siple said.
Travelers driving north to West Lafayette for the 2 p.m. game should be aware of changing weather and road conditions, Siple cautioned. The storm will bring heavier snows south of Tippecanoe County, so travelers should prepare for a challenging drive.
Driving conditions and weather preparedness
“Our troopers will be out across the state working to ensure the safety of all motorists,” Indiana State Police Sgt. Jeremy Piers said. “Please do your part by slowing down, increasing following distances and avoiding unnecessary travel during severe conditions. Our focus is to help everyone reach their destinations safety.”
Piers also reminds drivers to move over for emergency vehicles and stranded vehicles.
Before heading out, Piers suggests that motorists check road conditions by logging onto 511in.org.
“When winter weather hits, stay home if possible,” the AAA Hoosier Motor Club stated in a news release. “Keeping roads clear of unnecessary traffic will help roadside technicians and tow providers as well as emergency responders.
“If you must drive and find yourself stuck on the side of the road, stay in your vehicle while you wait for help,” according to AAA.
“Do not try to walk in a severe storm, as it can be easy to lose sight of your car and get lost, and passing vehicles may not be able to see you,” according to AAA. “Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or in the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress and help emergency responders find you easier. If you’re trying to dig yourself out of the snow, don’t overexert yourself and stop to take breaks.”
Preparing the car
Making sure your car is prepared for the challenge of the weather is important, too.
AAA recommends having an emergency car kit with flashlights, phone chargers, blankets, bottled water, a first aid kit, battery jumper cables and a shovel. Check that the car’s lights and wipers are working and that the tires are properly inflated.
AAA also suggests that motorists fill up the gas tank and keep it at least half full to avoid frozen condensation on the inside of the tank.
On the up side
Old Man Winter’s days are — as always — numbered.
Spring begins in 76 days from Friday, and Daylight Saving Time begins in 65 days.
Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Winter storm might not hit Lafayette as hard as initially predicted