City ready for winter storm, urges residents to be prepared

Indianapolis city officials said Tuesday that they are ready for a winter storm headed to Central Indiana and they urged residents to also be prepared.

A winter storm warning is in effect for Marion County until early Friday morning. Starting Wednesday and through Thursday a mix of precipitation will sweep over the area, culminating in an estimated 6-12 inches of snow.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett urged residents to stay off roadways starting Wednesday night.

“This particular set of factors will create treacherous conditions for travel,” Hogsett said.

People should call 911 for emergencies and 211 if they are in need of food or shelter.  Overflow shelters will be operational for people experiencing homelessness and Indy Parks will operate warming stations.

The Department of Public Works’ Indy Snow Force has been preparing since last week and will have a full call out.  DPW Director Dan Parker said they won’t be able to treat roadways right away.

“When it is still raining the roads are not going to be pre-treated.  We do not put salt down to watch the rain wash it away,” Parker said.

Residents should call the Mayor’s Action Center for downed trees in the roadways and contact AES for trees that have fallen on electrical lines.

National Weather Service  Meteorologist Ted Funk said the details of any winter storm are tricky. 

“Trying to figure out the exact timing,” he said, “in this case we do have to worry about precipitation type, sometimes we don’t in this case we do.”

Funk said, fortunately, newer weather models show less of a chance of icy conditions as the cold air moves in faster.

Marion County has only had 1.7 inches of snow so far this season. If the county sees more than 11 and half inches, it will be one of the top 10 snow totals it has recorded.

Drivers are advised to carry blankets, a small shovel, and a charged cell phone while traveling. People trying to reach IMPD may experience delays.

Residents and businesses should clear a 5-foot-wide path in the snow along all sidewalks on their property to provide safe passage for pedestrians. Officials also reminded residents to also bring their animals inside.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.