LIVE, LOCAL UPDATES: Nearly a Foot of Snow Forecast to Fall Across Dubois and Surrounding Counties

>> LIVE UPDATES: This blog is updated with up-to-the-minute, local emergency weather and traffic information.  Check back often with updates as the storm comes through. 

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TALKING POINTS:

- Winter Storm Warning in effect for Dubois and surrounding counties CLICK HERE to read the warning
- 7-12 inches of dry, fluffy snow possible Sunday night through Tuesday
- Blizzard-like conditions possible with wind gusts up to 30 mph

CLICK HERE for the full list of closings and delays from the WITZ Newsroom

5:48 PM -- Travel Warning 

Knox County has been placed under a Travel Warning.  Stay home and off of the roads. 

4:23 PM -- State of Emergency 

Orange County Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency

1:25 PM-- Crawford County Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency 

Police report County Roads have been opened for essential travel and emergency vehicles ONLY. 

 From the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.... Highway and Interstate road conditions are fair and remain passable, however weather and road conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate. County Roads remain hazardous. Please use extreme caution and travel only if essential. 

 We are continually monitoring conditions and will provide updates here as they become available. 

 If you need assistance, please call the Sheriff's Department at (812) 338-2802.  

In an emergency, please call 911.

9:10 AM -- Road Conditions Update

Perry County has been added to the TRAVEL WATCH, in addition to Dubois and Spencer counties. Officials urge residents to stay home and off of the roads, if possible.

6:37 AM MONDAY: Indiana State Police Jasper Issue Statement on Road Conditions

To receive the most up to date road information please don’t call 911!!The following sites will provide you with all the information you need in.gov/indot/2420.htm or by downloading @indot mobile app or calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623).

3:15 AM MONDAY: Dubois and Spencer counties are now under a TRAVEL WATCH. 


This means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations. 

Crawford County is under a TRAVEL WARNING. The highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. 

During a "warning" local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:

(A) refrain from all travel;

(B) comply with necessary emergency measures;

(C) cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and

(D) obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

7:36 PM SUNDAY -- Huntingburg's Mayor Issues a Statement, Urges Residents to Stay Home

 "Since we are expecting a rather large winter storm heading our way and are under a Winter Storm Warning, I am advising Huntingburg residents to stay home, if possible. Public safety is our first priority at this time, and City crews will be out doing what they can to keep the roads clear. However, if their safety is a concern, I have advised them to hold off until it is safe. I want to reiterate that if possible, please stay home and stay safe!”  

7:31 PM SUNDAY -- Winter Storm Warning Now in Effect

The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect.  Snow should start between 9 p.m. and midnight.  Travel will be dangerous, even impossible at times.  12+ inches can't be ruled out.

I will be up early with you at 3 a.m. with updates on our Facebook page and here online.  On-air coverage begins at 5 a.m. with Charlie Wayne and I.

Please, stay home if you can.  Be safe!

- David Shepherd, News Director / Forecaster 

7:09 PM SUNDAY -- When Will the Snow Start?

The National Weather Service says the first round of snow is expected to arrive in our area between 9 p.m. and midnight.  It still looks like Dubois and surrounding counties will see UP TO 12 inches of snow by Tuesday, with locally higher amounts possible.  


6:37 PM SUNDAY -- Some Local Schools Close Monday Due to the Forecast

- Barr-Reeve Community Schools - eLearning 
- North Daviess Community Schools - Snow Day - NO eLearning 
- Pike County Schools - eLearning 
- Washington Community Schools - eLearning 

5:00 PM SUNDAY -- INDOT Crews Prepare For Nearly a Foot of Snow

INDOT crews will begin patrolling highways by 8 p.m. Sunday and will remain active through the winter storm. Keep in mind, plow trucks generally travel about 25 to 30 miles per hour and it takes between two to three hours to complete a snow route.

INDOT has the following resources to respond to this winter weather event:

  • More than 1,100 plow trucks
  • 200,000 tons of salt
  • 100,000 gallons of brine
  • More than 1,800 employees on call covering 28,000 lane miles

Motorists are urged to stay off the roads during the winter storm if possible, to give plow drivers plenty of room to safely clear snow and ice.

If you must travel:

  • Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. The road behind the plow will be the safest place to drive. Allow at least ten car lengths between your vehicle and snowplows or hopper spreaders.
  • Do not pass. The plows are wide, and sometimes a group of trucks will work in tandem to clear snow quickly, especially on major highways.
  • Be particularly aware of black ice conditions on surfaces such as bridge decks and entrance and exit ramps.
  • Due to extremely cold temperatures and sub-zero wind chills, salt will take longer to melt snow and ice. Blowing and drifting may also push snow back on to recently plowed routes.
  • Four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and traction control are beneficial in winter weather, BUT they cannot take the place of good driving habits and the need to reduce speed on snowy or icy roads.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you’re stranded and keep a cell phone charged in case you need to call for help.

Stay Informed:

3:32 PM SUNDAY-- SNOW TOTALS INCREASED 

8-12 inches of snow looks like a pretty good bet for Dubois and surrounding counties. Blizzard conditions will be possible at times with strong winds, near whiteout conditions and snowfall rates over an inch-an-hour at times, mainly Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

2:09 PM SUNDAY -- The National Weather Service in Paducah is increasing snow totals to up to a foot in Pike, Perry, and Spencer counties tonight through Tuesday. 

Dubois County will likely see 6-8 inches of snow, with some spots reaching up to 10 inches. The NWS has Dubois County in the 6-12 range. 

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Bottom line.... Total snow estimates are going up! Travel will be dangerous, if not impossible, especially for your Monday morning and afternoon commutes. 

We will see a break in between the two waves. Don't let that fool you! The next, heavier round will arrive in the afternoon Monday.

Another significant storm could roll through midweek.

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