National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Overview

A strong winter storm moved across much of the Midwest ahead of Christmas bringing strong winds, dangerously cold wind chills, and snow. 

The event began Thursday night with rain followed by a frontal passage which brought a rapid 25 degree temperature fall which caused a flash freeze of the residual moisture on the ground. Snow then fell for several hours with 1-3 inches of accumulation across central Indiana.  Strong winds also arrived in the aftermath of the frontal passage with gusts up to 56 mph by the morning hours on Friday.  Temperatures continued to fall Thursday night with lows well below zero and wind chills approaching 40 below zero.

Cold conditions continued through the day on Friday with blowing snow throughout the day.  Numerous travel hazards were caused by the combination of ice on the roads and the blowing snow which continued into Saturday.  Another concern was the extreme cold which caused issues for snow clearing equipment.  Numerous accidents were caused by the snow and ice.

 

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