Severe Winter Storm Paralyzes Indiana Roads And Cities

On the evening of January 24, 2026, Indiana braced itself as a severe winter storm swept across the state, bringing with it plummeting temperatures and relentless snowfall. According to the Weather Authority, the arctic air barreled in from the north, causing temperatures to nosedive and snow to begin falling steadily throughout central Indiana. Residents awoke to a landscape transformed, as the storm’s intensity only grew stronger throughout the night and into Sunday, January 25.

By midday Sunday, meteorologists predicted snowfall rates could reach between half an inch to a full inch per hour—a pace that can quickly blanket roads and make travel treacherous. The National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Warnings for areas along and south of the critical I-70 corridor, extending the alert for the entire FOX59/CBS4 viewing area until 7 a.m. Monday, January 26. The message was clear: Hoosiers should prepare to stay off the roads and remain indoors as much as possible.

The gravity of the situation prompted swift action from state officials. On January 24, Indiana’s governor declared a state of emergency in response to the hazardous conditions. The declaration underscored the seriousness of the storm and its potential to disrupt daily life, urging residents to heed warnings and prioritize safety. The governor’s office emphasized the dangers posed by the combination of arctic air and heavy snowfall, encouraging everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

As the snow continued to fall, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) sprang into action. According to Eyewitness News, over 160 snowplows and salt trucks were deployed across southwest Indiana on the night of January 24 and into January 25. INDOT Southwest Spokesperson Gary Brian described the agency’s full call out, stating that crews were working tirelessly to treat roadways and keep critical routes as safe as possible. “Our teams have been working around the clock,” Brian reported, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat the rapidly accumulating snow and ice.

Preparations for the storm had begun days earlier. According to WAVE, INDOT Southeast initiated its response as early as Thursday, January 22, pre-treating roads with brine in anticipation of the weekend weather event. This branch of INDOT, responsible for maintaining state and US highways and interstates across 20 counties—including Floyd, Clark, and Harrison—knew that brine would lose effectiveness as temperatures dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With forecasts predicting temperatures to hit zero and “feels like” conditions plunging into the negatives, officials planned a shift to dry salt application where it made sense.

“Brine generally stops being effective when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit,” explained Sidney Nierman, Public Relations Director for INDOT Southeast. “With the forecast calling for extreme cold, we’re ready to switch over to dry salt as needed.” This adaptive approach, Nierman noted, was essential for ensuring that roads remained as safe as possible during the storm’s peak.

INDOT officials were quick to urge drivers to stay home, both for their own safety and for the safety of the crews working to clear the roads. “If you do need to get out, there are ways you can get a real-time view of road conditions,” said Nierman. She pointed to the INDOT TrafficWise app, which allows users to track the location of snowplows in real time and view live dash camera images from snowplow cabs. “It truly feels like you’re right there with us, and you can see the road conditions,” she added. This technology, available to all Indiana residents, provided a crucial resource for those who found travel unavoidable.

Despite these efforts, officials continued to emphasize the importance of minimizing travel. The combination of rapid snowfall, subzero temperatures, and reduced effectiveness of traditional de-icing methods created a perfect storm of hazardous conditions. According to FOX59, Winter Storm Warnings remained in effect, and residents were repeatedly advised to avoid driving until the storm passed and cleanup operations could be completed.

Cleanup, as INDOT made clear, would be an ongoing process. Crews planned to continue their work until every roadway was deemed safe for travel. This commitment was echoed across the state, with transportation officials coordinating efforts to ensure that main arteries and critical infrastructure received priority attention. “We’re already looking ahead at cleanup operations for this massive winter weather event,” said Nierman, highlighting the scale and complexity of the response.

For many Indiana residents, the storm was a stark reminder of the unpredictability and power of winter weather in the Midwest. Past storms have shown how quickly conditions can deteriorate, leaving even the most prepared communities scrambling to adapt. The state’s robust response—mobilizing hundreds of trucks, deploying advanced technology, and communicating clearly with the public—demonstrated a commitment to keeping people safe and informed.

Still, the challenges were significant. Brine and salt, the workhorses of winter road maintenance, can only do so much when temperatures plunge to extreme lows. As the National Weather Service and local meteorologists warned, even treated roads can become slick and dangerous under such conditions. The steady snowfall, combined with gusty winds and frigid air, created whiteout conditions in some areas, further complicating cleanup and response efforts.

Residents across Indiana heeded the warnings, with many choosing to stay home and wait out the storm. Social media was filled with photos of snow-covered streets and messages of thanks to the crews working long hours to keep communities safe. For those who did venture out, the INDOT TrafficWise app became an invaluable tool, offering real-time updates and a window into the work being done behind the scenes.

As the storm’s peak passed and the focus shifted to cleanup, officials reminded everyone that patience and caution would be key in the days ahead. “We’ll continue cleaning up efforts until the roadways are safe for travel,” said Nierman, underscoring the ongoing nature of the response. With the Winter Storm Warning set to expire at 7 a.m. Monday, many looked forward to a gradual return to normalcy—but with a renewed appreciation for the power of nature and the dedication of those who keep the state moving, even in the harshest conditions.

Indiana’s winter storm of January 2026 will be remembered not only for its intensity, but also for the swift, coordinated response it inspired—proving once again that when the snow flies, Hoosiers come together to weather the storm.