Weather officials say an approaching strong arctic cold front is prompting winter storm warnings Thursday afternoon for the central and eastern portions of the U.S. including Indiana.
National Weather Service forecasters say a flash freeze is likely Thursday night with temperatures dropping more than 30 degrees during the transition from rain to snow. The heaviest snow is expected later Thursday night, although how much and what kind precipitation will be seen in Bloomington is unclear.
“The chance of precipitation on Thursday night is a 100%,” said Jason Puma, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “So, we're very confident in that there's going to be some precipitation, but we're not so confident about is how much snow there might be versus how much rain at this point.”
Early forecast models indicate west central Indiana from Lafayette to Indianapolis and Martinsville could see 3 to 6 inches of snow. South central Indiana from Bloomington to Columbus and Washington could see 1 to 4 inches of snow.
“At 6 p.m. on Thursday night, we're expecting the temperatures in Bloomington to be right around 40 degrees,” Puma said. “But by the time you wake up on Friday morning at 6 a.m., just 12 hours later, the temperature we're looking at for it to be about 1 degree.”
Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 miles per hour causing blowing snow and wind chills 30 degrees below zero. Officials warn those conditions could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton says officials are planning for weather responses.
“Whether it's salt trucks or warming stations, we've got that coordinated with other folks around the county to have a place for people who are exposed to dangerous cold,” Hamilton said.
He says warming centers are available at area fire stations and community centers.
The winter storm warning takes effect Thursday afternoon at 3 and continues until 7 p.m. Friday.
Puma said those traveling Friday through Sunday should monitor the incoming storm and have flexible travel plans.
Weather status by county in the WFIU/WTIU broadcast area as well as delays and closings reported to WFIU and WTIU News can be found here.
