Are you ready for a white Christmas, Hamilton County? Ready or not …
Hamilton County’s Hometown Meteorologist Paul Poteet is hot on the case of this cold blast, and the Reporter is here to keep you informed so you can be prepared.
As of late Tuesday evening, only a handful of Hoosier counties in the southeastern portion of the state were not yet under a Winter Storm Watch. Whatever the snow total, what is for certain in the oncoming harsh, bitterly low temperatures that will stick around over the Christmas weekend. Wind chills will reach well below zero across central Indiana.
The forecast remains consistent with steady winds over 30 mph and gusts near 50 mph. The falling and blowing snow will likely result in white-out conditions for Hamilton County early Friday through Saturday.
To highlight the significant impact anticipated to travel, Hamilton County Emergency Management (HCEM) has issued a Travel Watch effective 6 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. The Travel Watch also corresponds with the National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Watch and HCEM standard operating procedures.
A Travel Watch means that conditions threaten the public’s safety. Only essential travel, such as to and from work or in an emergency situation, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.
You can learn more about the Travel Advisory system by visiting in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.
For latest updates, be sure to check in with Hoosier Weather Daddy Paul Poteet at PaulPoteet.com, and follow Hamilton County Emergency Management on Facebook at Facebook.com/INHCEM.
Released just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, the National Service says heavy, blowing snow is possible. The real threat is high winds with gusts up to 55 mph and wind chills possibly as low as negative 30 degrees. (Graphic provided by the National Weather Service)