WEATHER UPDATES: 7 to 11 inches of snow, -11 wind chills

5:00 Update:

The Indiana Department of Transportation released information:

The greatest impacts to travel will be Saturday evening through Sunday morning, but impacts are expected to be ongoing due to frigid temperatures and the possibility of blowing, drifting snow.

INDOT will have all available plows and drivers out on our state-maintained roads (state highways, interstates and U.S. routes). Preparations are being made now to ensure trucks, equipment and personnel are ready. Over 940 plow trucks and over 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend, with additional winter operations personnel providing support.

It takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. During heavy snowfall rates, roadways will become snow-covered between plow passes. Extreme temperatures will hinder the effectiveness of salt so plowing will be INDOT’s main course of action during this winter event.

3:45 Update:

The city of Bloomington released some information before the winter storm hits:

• Stay in the loop! Sign up for emergency alerts through the Monroe County Alert Program. City services can be reached at bloomington.in.gov/services.
• Help is a phone call away. Need shelter, food, or other essentials? Call Indiana 211 for nearby resources.
• Winter reality check. When cars hit snowy roads before plows do, soft snow gets pressed into ice. That’s how slick spots show up and stick around for days. If you don’t need to be out, staying home helps avoid the exact conditions we all grumble about later. If you absolutely must drive, follow these AAA safety tips.
• Look out for each other. Bloomington’s superpower is its people. A quick call, text, or knock can make a big difference—especially for neighbors who might need an extra hand.
• Show some love to the helpers. Plow drivers, mechanics, utilities, police, fire, and call-takers are keeping the city steady in tough conditions. A wave, a thank-you, or a little patience goes a long way.
• Snow falls on everyone. Sidewalks are yours. Property owners—residential and commercial—are responsible for clearing sidewalks that border their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• We’d rather say thanks than write tickets. If sidewalks aren’t cleared within 24 hours, citations may be issued. Enforcement isn’t the goal—safe, accessible passage is.

Original Story:

The Bloomington area could see between 7 to 11 inches of snow this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis is issuing a winter storm warning from noon Saturday until 7 a.m. Monday.

Most of the snow should fall late Saturday night through Sunday.

Officials say travel could be very difficult during those times, especially during the Monday morning commute.

Cold temperatures will continue Saturday with wind chills as low as negative 11 degrees.

Delays, Closings, and Severe Weather submitted to WFIU/WTIU News are posted here.