Indy officials talk snow preparations, unsure about need for warming centers

Indianapolis officials advise Central Indiana residents to prepare for heavy snowfall expected to begin Sunday morning. The National Weather Service, NWS, issued a Winter Storm Warning for Sunday through Monday.

Senior Meteorologist at National Weather Service, NWS, Indianapolis Mike Ryan says there is a high potential for six or more inches of snow.

“This would be the largest snowfall we've seen here in the city in a little under three years,” Ryan said.

While there might be sleet and freezing rain, snow is expected to be the primary precipitation. Ryan also warned of wind picking up over Sunday and Monday.

“We may see peak gusts to 30, to 35 miles per hour that could create blowing and drifting of snow, as well as reducing visibility in some of the heavier snow showers as they fall across the area,” Ryan said.

After the storm passes through, Ryan said temperatures will remain low through the week, dipping into the single digits and possibly below zero some nights.

Officials recommend that people who do not need to travel stay at home during the storm.

The city does not currently plan to open warming centers Sunday for people who are unhoused, at the Indy Parks Family Centers. Normal center hours do not include Sundays.

“We certainly will open them up if there is a need to have them open,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said at Saturday’s press conference.

According to the city’s winter contingency plan, the warming centers would open if the city declares a weather emergency with extreme temperatures.

“We are hopeful that that need won’t really be necessary until later in the afternoon, if not early evening, but if the weather deteriorates faster than what we reasonably expect and predict, I’ll make sure that parks have plenty of warming areas for people,” Hogsett said.

In 2024 the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention’s, CHIP, point in time count found 1,701 people unhoused. Last year, CHIP counted 101 people died unhoused in Indianapolis.

People can find shelters and warming centers here using Indiana 211, a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, or call 866-211-9966. 

The Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety has a map with listed resources in the city.

For those who will be driving, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works deputy director for planning Natalie van Dongen says crews will begin work Saturday evening to pre-treat roads, bridges and overpasses, prior to the snowfall.

“On Sunday, once the snow begins to stick, our drivers will begin pushing and plowing snow off the thoroughfares and major travel corridors,” van Dongen said.

That includes preparations for the expected traffic for the final Indianapolis Colts season game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The game is expected to end around 4 p.m., when increased snowfall is expected.

“For folks driving home, especially if they’re driving south, where we think some of the heavier snow will be, there's going to be a lot of difficulty on the road,” Ryan said.

The city will coordinate with the Indiana Department of Transportation to make roads clear for fans.

Officials recommend staying informed about road conditions, giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and packing resources in your car including:

• Water
• Snacks
• Blankets
• Charged cell phone
• Kitty litter
• Salt
• Shovel

For power outages, you can reach out to AES Indiana online, or call 317-261-8111.

Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org.