© 2026. The Trustees of Indiana University
Copyright Complaints
1229 East Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
News, Arts and Culture from WFIU Public Radio and WTIU Public Television
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

WEATHER UPDATES: snow totals, extreme cold, travel warnings

Dangerous wind chills will continue at times through at least Tuesday. Wind chills will get as cold as negative 25 degrees at times. Be sure to dress in layers if venturing outside.
Bitterly cold wind chills will fall to below -20 F again overnight lasting until mid-morning Tuesday. If you must be outside, dress in layers and keep your face and hands covered. Frostbite can occur in less than 20 minutes with these wind chills.

Monday, 3:00 p.m.

Dangerously cold wind chills are expected tonight through Tuesday morning.

National Weather Service officials have issued an Extreme Cold Warning for negative 25-degree wind chills from 7 tonight until 9 tomorrow morning.

Those temps could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes.

Bitterly cold wind chills up to negative 10 degrees are expected the rest of the week.

Travel conditions are improving though a travel warning remains in effect for most of southern Indiana. Officials are asking motorists to stay off the road unless necessary.

See up to date map here: DHS: Travel Advisory Map

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

Monday, 1:00 a.m.

Travel warnings remain in effect.

  • Refrain from all travel;
  • Comply with necessary emergency measures;
  • Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and 
  • Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

See up to date map here: DHS: Travel Advisory Map
Dangerous wind chills will continue at times through at least Tuesday. Wind chills will get as cold as negative 25 degrees at times. Be sure to dress in layers if venturing outside.

Governor Mike Braun has directed state executive branch offices to CLOSE Monday, January 26.

This directive applies to state executive branch employees who are NOT essential personnel.

State employees should check their email inbox for more information.

Many entities are closed today or running virtual. Check the status of your destination before you attempt to travel.

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

National Weather Service reports indicate 14 inches of snow in Bloomington, Columbus and Seymour.

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

A travel warning is in effect for most of southern Indiana. It's the highest level of local travel advisory.

Travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a "warning" local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:

  • Refrain from all travel
  • Comply with necessary emergency measures
  • Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans
  • Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers

DHS: Travel Advisory Map

Reported snowfall this morning:

Bloomington10.1
Terre Haute7.7
Indianapolis6.0
Odon11.0
Columbus9.8

Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Indiana:

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 7 a.m. Monday. Heaviest snow is expected this morning, and snow should come to an end late today.

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

Saturday, 5:00 p.m. update

Snow is surging northeast and east across the state, with reports of light accumulations already occurring. Visibilities have dropped as low as one-quarter mile in parts of far southwest Indiana, and with cold air firmly in place, road and sidewalk treatments are expected to be less effective—allowing snow to accumulate quickly and leading to slippery conditions.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for all of central Indiana from 12 a.m. Monday through Noon on Tuesday. Wind chills will range from -10 to -20 degrees. Limit time outside, wear layers, and check on the vulnerable. Cold temperatures will continue through all of next week.

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

Friday 5:00 p.m. 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.

Tags
Anchor "Indiana Newsdesk," "Ask The Mayor" - WTIU/WFIU News. Formerly host of "The Weekly Special." Hebron, Ind. native, IU Alumnus. Follow him on Twitter @Joe_Hren
Related Content

WFIU/WTIU News is an independent newsroom rooted in public service.

“Act Independently” is one of the basic creeds of journalism ethics, and we claim it proudly. The WFIU/WTIU News facilities are located on the campus of Indiana University, which does hold our broadcast license and contribute funding to our organization. However, our journalists and senior news leaders have full authority over journalistic decisions — what we decide to cover and how we tell our stories. We observe a clear boundary: Indiana University and RTVS administrators focus on running a strong and secure organization; WFIU/WTIU journalists focus on bringing you independent news you can trust.