S. Indiana & W. Kentucky: NWS Updates Forecast to Include More Ice – Be Prepared for Power Loss

Here in the tri-state, we're ringing in 2025 with a big ol' winter storm, now officially dubbed Winter Storm Blair. I got up early this morning and hit the grocery store as soon as it opened. Didn’t go overboard—just got my usual stuff for the week, a little early this time. Having lived through a couple of ice storms, I know all too well what it’s like to lose power, and trust me, it’s no fun.

I was in line behind this cute couple, and they had just a half gallon of milk. I joked with them, saying they were really going all-out in their preparations! They laughed and said, “Oh, it won’t be that bad.” I asked if they were old enough to remember 2009, and the girl smiled, saying she remembered her parents lighting candles and having them all stay in the basement, but it was fun. She was, of course, very little at the time…

This morning, the National Weather Service updated the forecast to include even MORE ice for the Evansville area and we are currently under a winter storm warning. So, if you have not made preparations to go without power for an extended amount of time, you probably should get on that.

JAN 2025 WINTER STORM TO IMPACT INDIANA AND KENTUCKY

From the National Weather Service:

Unfortunately, ice accumulations have increased across the area as the amounts of snow have decreased slightly. Areas in the ice storm warning may see damaging ice accumulations that reach close to three-quarters of an inch from roughly Bollinger County, MO eastward to around Pope County, IL! Significant snow, sleet and ice accumulations are still expected outside of those locations. See the graphics for details. Be safe and stay tuned for additional updates ahead of the system!!

From the National Weather Service in Indianapolis:

A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for much of central Indiana with snowfall accumulations of 5-8 inches expected. Banding could produce locally higher amounts of up to 10-12 inches. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for northern portions of the area where 2-5 inches of snow is possible. Expect widespread travel impacts across the Ohio Valley. #inwx

From the National Weather Service in Louisville:

A winter storm will bring significant accumulations of ice to much of central Kentucky and southern Indiana. Ice accumulation is forecast to be lower in south central Kentucky, where a changeover to rain is expected Sunday afternoon and evening.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Sleet and Freezing Rain? 

Arctic Air to Follow

It looks like the models are showing some major differences—one predicting a lot of ice for us, and another saying snow will hit the Ohio River Valley. Northern Indiana and Illinois seem like they'll be getting a serious snowstorm, while Kentucky is bracing for a mix of rain and sleet. But the real kicker? Toward the end of the update, the forecaster mentioned the Polar Vortex making its way in by Tuesday, bringing some seriously frigid temperatures.
I keep hearing the terms "sleet" and "freezing rain." Full disclosure, I don't know what the difference is but I know they aren't interchangeable. I do know they are both dangerous when it comes to driving conditions. So, like any good investigative reporter, I googled it!

I keep hearing the terms "sleet" and "freezing rain." Full disclosure, I don't know what the difference is but I know they aren't interchangeable. I do know they are both dangerous when it comes to driving conditions. So, like any good investigative reporter, I googled it!

According to the National Weather Service:

What is Freezing Rain?

Freezing rain occurs when the layer of freezing air is so thin that the raindrops do not have enough time to freeze before reaching the ground.  Instead, the water freezes on contact with the surface, creating a coating of ice on whatever the raindrops contact. -NWS

What is Sleet?

Sleet is simply frozen raindrops and occurs when the layer of freezing air along the surface is thicker.  This causes the raindrops to freeze before reaching the ground. -NWS

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Which is More Dangerous?

So it looks like freezing rain is liquid until it hits the ground and sleet is frozen in the air. So if you feel like you are being hit by pieces of glass, it's sleet. Both can cause a coating of ice wherever they land. The NWS does say that freezing rain is what usually causes power lines and tree branches to become coated and break. And when first responders were asked about which forecast causes more accidents, freezing rain seemed to be much worse than sleet.

H/T: https://www.foxcarolina.com

Here's How to Prepare

Figure Out a Plan
Have a plan of action in case your heat goes out. You know what ice does, right? It builds up on power lines and snaps them. When I was in middle school, an ice storm hit the tri-state, and we were without power for a WEEK. I was cold, miserable, and—let’s be honest—I kind of hated my family (not really, but you get the idea). We used a kerosene heater, but it’s crucial to be super careful with any heat sources. Carbon monoxide deaths spike this time of year, so take extra precautions. You can grab a carbon monoxide detector for about $20 at big box stores today. Also, don’t forget that there are warming centers in our area. There’s no shame in using them—especially if the power goes out.

READ MORE: See Photos from the Deadly 2009 Ice Storm

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And turn on notifications. When we know about closings and road conditions, you'll know.

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Read More: Report Tri-State Closings & Delays

Gather Supplies
My husband calls me Anxiety Ashley, and honestly, he’s probably right. I’ve lived through enough to know that it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. So what’s on my mind this week? Food, water, and warmth. After waiting a week for power to come back on during an ice storm, we couldn’t even leave our home. This time around, we’re investing in solar powered chargers for our phones, extra batteries, and plenty of candles. My husband’s job? Chopping wood for the fireplace. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for having these supplies ready. Here's a rough list of what I am getting.

• Propane for the grill
• Matches/Extra lighters
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Cell charger
• Board games / puzzles
• Gas up vehicles
• Salt
• Kitty litter
• Snow shovel
• Flashlights
• Candles
• Batteries
• Food that can easily be prepared
• Disposable dishware
• Non electric can opener
• Water / drinks
• First aid kit
• Pet food
• Portable radio

Be Safe on the Roads
Stay off the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary. The last thing we need is to create more work for our first responders, so please, be smart and only travel if it’s an emergency. Absolutely NEVER drive under downed power lines and call emergency services to report them. Here's how to check road conditions in the tri-state.

Think About Pets and Outdoor Animals
If you have an outdoor pet, please, for the love, bring them inside. Unless it’s a husky or malamute—they’re made for the snow! But for all other animals, make sure they have proper shelter, fresh water, and food. Be a good human and look out for them, too. Here's how to safely insulate animal homes (on a budget).

Enjoy the Weather
Ice storms are the worst. But snowstorms? They can actually be a lot of fun! If you're in an area where snow is expected, make sure you get your sleds ready now—you could be in for a big treat! Here’s a list of some things you’ll need to get before the weather hits: