Preparing for Rain and Winter in Indiana

Source: NWS Indianapolis

STATEWIDE–The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis says “beneficial rain” is going to make its way through Indiana both Wednesday and Thursday.

They say half an inch of rain to an inch is possible on Wednesday afternoon and evening, especially in areas north of I-70. Areas south of I-70 could get 1.5 inches or more.

“It doesn’t look like it will be enough for flooding or anything, just enough to help with the drought situation,” said National Weather Service in Indianapolis forecaster Randy Bowers.

Bowers says it will likely linger into Thursday.

“We’re not even expecting lightning or thunder with this. This rain, though, will move through the state. By the time we get to Thursday, there will be some light rain and drizzle, but it will likely be moving out by later in the day Thursday,” said Bowers.

The temperatures are about to get colder as we get into December and snow will be a factor in Indiana at some point. That’s why the NWS has also dubbed this “Winter Weather Preparedness Week.”

One thing Bowers says you’ll want to watch out for is snow squalls.

“These are bursts of snow that can be really heavy. What’s dangerous about them from a travel standpoint is that they can be really rapid at the onset. You may go from a situation where there’s little to no snow and there’s visibility that’s less than a quarter of a mile,” said Bowers.

Bowers says that’s just one aspect of it.

“The other aspect is sometimes you get into a flash freeze situation where, along with the visibility and the heavy snow, the temperatures may have been fairly warm so the roads become wet and then the cold air moves in immediately after that which can lead to some ice on the roads too,” said Bowers.

He also urges you to insulate your attic, clean out your gutters, insulate exposed pipes, and check both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors among other things.

You can hear the full interview with Bowers below.