Indiana National Guard activated ahead of potential blizzard-like storm

Indianapolis, Indiana – Prior to a big winter storm that is bearing down on the state with subfreezing temperatures, high winds, and potentially blizzard-like conditions due to arrive Thursday, Governor Eric J. Holcomb activated almost 150 members of the Indiana National Guard.

The winter storm “has the potential to be life-threatening,” according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, since the wind chill is expected to drop to -20 degrees or below. According to the National Weather Service, on Friday, howling winds might gust as high as 55 mph.

According to IDHS, severe traffic problems and power disruptions are also possible.

Teams from the National Guard will act as highway assistance teams and be carefully placed throughout the northern third of the state, where the hardest snowfall is predicted. Porter, La Porte, and St. Joseph County in Indiana, all of which are close to Lake Michigan, are currently under blizzard warnings. For the majority of the rest of Indiana, a winter storm warning is still in place.

The State Emergency Operations Center will be launched on Thursday at 7 a.m. and will be open around the clock throughout the winter weather event, according to IDHS. On the IDHS homepage, a travel advisory map is also operational and will show real-time alerts when road conditions deteriorate.

Due to the impending snow, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recommended citizens to avoid unnecessary travel from Thursday evening until Sunday. Residents were also informed that poor weather and icy roads would cause first responders like the police and EMS to respond more slowly.

Visit Indiana 211 to discover warning centers.