Central Indiana can expect up to two inches of snow Thursday night into Friday.
Light snow could start Friday in the early morning hours with eventual accumulations of around an inch for most areas along and north of Interstate 74, according to the Hazardous Weather Outlook.
Snow showers overnight may begin as light rain or a rain and snow mix. Early Friday morning travel impact should be minimal, but Friday morning snow may accumulate to a thin coating on elevated and grassy surfaces.
“Allow for some extra time on the roads because it can be hazardous,” said Alexander McGinnis, a meteorologist with NWS Indianapolis. “We’re not expecting a white Christmas this year, but at least people will see a few flakes falling in Central Indiana.”
Slightly greater snowfall of about two inches is possible Friday for areas northeast of Indianapolis.
More:How many white Christmases have we had: Indy hasn’t seen a White Christmas in over two decades
Weather timeline for Thursday and Friday
Between 8 p.m. and midnight Thursday night there will be a chance of rain and snow mix north of I-70. Between midnight and 4 a.m. Friday morning, the chance of rain and snow mix will spread to the entire Central Indiana area.
Between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday, expect to see a rain and snow mix that turns into a light snow from 8 a.m. to noon, especially northeast of I-74.
How to check road conditions in Indianapolis with INDOT
Drivers in Central Indiana can check INDOT’s CARS Program, which has a map of Indy’s current road conditions and closures. The website features a color-coded map of Indiana’s main roadways, highlighting hazardous or difficult road conditions in purple, fair conditions in blue and good conditions in gray.
Has my street been plowed? How to track live snow removal in Indianapolis
Wondering what streets have been plowed around Indianapolis? Residents can follow the Indy Department of Public Works through social media on X for updates about snow removal. The department also manages an online map for Indy Snow Force, showing what roads have been plowed already in the city.
The Indy Snow Force road map can be found online at maps.indy.gov/IndySnowForceViewer. You can also follow them on X, @IndySnowForce.
How to prepare for winter driving
Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can depend largely on how well you’re prepared. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips:
- Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, “ice and snow, take it slow,” or just don’t go.
- Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
- Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous in bad weather.
- Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
- Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables and road flares.
How can you reduce risk while driving in snow?
Don’t be a jerk (no, really). The key to safe driving when there’s ice on the road, writes Car And Driver Magazine, is operating the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes as smoothly as possible. Jerky movements — twisting the wheel suddenly or slamming your foot on the brake or gas pedal — can throw your vehicle into a skid.
Above all, keep the following in mind when driving through snowy, icy weather:
- 👀 Stay alert
- ⚠️Reduce your speed
- 🚨Watch for brake lights ahead of your from other vehicles
- ↔️ Leave more space between cars
What to do if your vehicle goes into a skid
If your vehicle begins to go into a skid on an icy road, do the following:
- Take your foot off the accelerator and do not slam the brakes.
- Look at the direction you want to go, not where your car is headed.
- For a front-wheel skid, writes Car and Driver Magazine, aim your vehicle where you want to go. Gently turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. If you’re in a rear-wheel skid — where the rear tires lose traction and you feel yourself spinning out — turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear is sliding. For example, if your rear wheels are sliding to the left, turn the wheel to the left.
- Tap the brakes, lightly, when necessary to self-correct out of the skid.
Weather info you need
🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.
⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.
💻 Internet outages: How to track them.
🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.
🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.
🏠 It’s cold outside! Where to find shelter.
Winter safety tips:Indiana’s roads get icy every winter. How to drive with common sense in snow and ice.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
