A rapidly intensifying winter storm has prompted the upgrade of multiple winter weather advisories to Winter Storm Warnings across large portions of Illinois, Indiana, and neighboring states, as forecasters warn of dangerous travel conditions, widespread heavy snowfall, and the potential for ice-related power outages through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, the system is expected to impact the central Midwest from late Friday night through Sunday night, with snow totals ranging from 5 to more than 13 inches, depending on location, and significant ice accumulation in parts of southern Indiana and also Kentucky.
The warnings reflect a deterioration in forecast confidence, with heavier precipitation bands now expected to persist longer and overlap peak travel periods.
Indiana Faces Widespread Heavy Snow and Ice
In Indiana, winter storm warnings now cover nearly the entire state, including central, northern, southern, and western counties. Forecast offices in Indianapolis, Louisville, and Wilmington report snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches across central Indiana, with localized totals exceeding 10 inches in the southern half of the state.
Counties including Marion, Hamilton, Boone, Monroe, Vigo, Bartholomew, and Knox are expected to see prolonged periods of heavy snowfall from late Saturday night into early Sunday afternoon, creating hazardous road conditions and sharply reduced visibility. In Randolph County, snowfall totals may reach up to 8 inches, while areas in south-central Indiana could experience both snow and freezing rain, significantly increasing the risk of power outages…