(This story was updated to add new information.)
Punxsutawney Phil and Indiana’s weather seer groundhog, Hope, recently predicted that there will be six more weeks of winter, and those predictions immediately come true for the Hoosier State, as it is expected to be hit with an ice storm this week.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service of Indianapolis noted that portions of northern and central Indiana will be hit by a wave of cold air on Wednesday, leading to regions in Indiana experiencing sleet and freezing rain from sunset to midnight on Wednesday.
Much of the expected freezing rain and sleet is predicted to hit portions of northern Indiana, specifically regions above Muncie and Lafayette, according to NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Andrew White.
If temperatures stay at their predicted high and above freezing, meteorologists expect the Indianapolis area to be lightly affected by the freezing rain, which would limit the amount of ice on the ground.
A winter storm could bring sleet and freezing rain to Indiana Feb. 5, 2025, according to the National Weather Service.
“Once we get past the evening rush hours we definitely have some potential to get a bit of freezing rain mixing in with the rain,” White said.
Meteorologists warned that as temperatures have gotten warmer, portions of the roads throughout Indiana may not be treated, which could lead to roads becoming slick as they are affected by the incoming freezing rain.
When it comes to southern Indiana, meteorologists don’t expect the region to be hit with any freezing rain, however, commuters should be cautious of wet road conditions.
More coverage: Groundhog Day has come and gone. Did the groundhog predict an early spring or more winter?
What criteria does the NWS use to determine an Ice Storm warning?
With NWS Indianapolis meteorologists expecting Indiana to be hit with notable weather conditions soon, here are the criteria the National Weather Service uses to determine when winter weather-related issues ought to be considered an advisory, watch or warning.
NWS will place a winter weather advisory when the weather is wintry but does not showcase any other severe weather elements. For example, if the NWS expects light amounts of precipitation or snow that could cause slick driving conditions.
A winter weather watch will be alert if the NWS determines that conditions could indicate a winter storm is expected to hit a region. Severe weather conditions that meteorologists might highlight are heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain, which could cause significant impacts to travel.
The NWS will alert a winter storm warning if meteorologists believe weather conditions will be significantly severe and expect hazardous conditions to hit an area.
In the case of ice storms, the NWS will alert an ice storm warning if meteorologists expect ice accumulation of 1/4 inch or more on all surfaces.
Other notable advisories, watches or warnings may alert people about:
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Sleet advisory: If a region is expected to have up to 2 inches of sleet on the road.
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Sleet warning: If a region is expected to have more than 2 inches or more of sleet.
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Freezing rain advisory: If a region will receive less than one-quarter of an inch of ice.
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Freezing rain warning: if a region will receive a quarter of an inch or more of ice.
The NWS notes that these criteria are just one component when determining if a regional NWS station should issue watches, warnings and advisories. The NWS also looks at the timing, impacts and duration of an event in addition to criteria for making its decision.
Indianapolis weather radar
Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions
Check road conditions, including road closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana’s online Trafficwise map at 511in.org, or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more.
INDOT’s CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana’s highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays.
The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers.
Weather info you need
🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.
⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.
💻 Internet outages: How to track them.
🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.
🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.
Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ice storm takes aim at Indiana. What Hoosiers can expect
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