Evansville and surrounding areas have been grappling with the impacts of a significant winter storm, leading to perilous road conditions across the Tri-State region.
According to WFIE, snow has been falling continuously, with some areas accumulating up to 1 inch of snow per hour. Reports from the Indiana State Police highlighted the severe conditions, stating, "Roadways are extremely dangerous, with multiple crashes and slide-offs happening." Snarled traffic and stranded vehicles have become common occurrences.
On Sunday morning, officers responded to numerous incidents, including a semi-truck stuck on the North-bound lanes of Greenriver Road just north of Morgan Avenue. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office cautioned drivers about the risk of being caught on E. Mt. Pleasant Road, which requires snow chains or 4-wheel drive to navigate. A fuel truck’s struggle up St. Joseph Avenue was also indicative of the challenging conditions, illustrating the storm's impact on even larger vehicles.
Travel advisories have been issued across multiple counties, including Vanderburgh, Posey, Gibson, Warrick, Dubois, Daviess, and Spencer. The Indiana State Police Jasper reported multiple wrecks along I-69, urging motorists to avoid travel if possible. Sergeant Todd Ringle emphasized, "Drivers must use their headlights for visibility through the heavy snow." This stark reminder came as conditions continued to deteriorate.
Meanwhile, weather reports indicated the situation was not isolated to Indiana. Louisville Metro also faced considerable disruptions. The Kentucky Transportation District 5 reported multiple accidents on interstates, with lane closures occurring due to crashes. Specific incidents included closures on Westbound Interstate 64 and Northbound Interstate 71, both near Interstate 265, due to significant accidents.
LMPD advised drivers to stay indoors, explaining the hazardous conditions on local roads. Mayor Craig Greenberg underscored the efforts of Metro Public Works, who began treating roads with salt and calcium chloride early Sunday morning. He explained, "Please be patient. Hang in there with us, but we are going to get to all these roads to make sure it’s safe for you." Their process is thorough, with salting taking approximately six hours and plowing up to twelve hours to complete.
Bloomington, Indiana, was not spared from the storm either. By mid-morning, the National Weather Service predicted heavy snowfall continuing throughout the day, warranting a winter storm warning effective until 7 p.m. Monday. Residents were warned of the potential accumulation of 3 to 7 inches of snow, coupled with plunging temperatures dropping to 14 degrees Monday night. An advisory was issued for Monroe, Lawrence, and Greene counties, reflecting the widespread impact of the weather phenomenon.
Local businesses started feeling the brunt of the weather. Numerous establishments, including churches and popular eateries, announced Sunday closures to prioritize safety. Others changed their operational methods, such as switching to online services.
Bowling Green, Kentucky, has also reported numerous encounters with ice and accidents attributed to the storm. WKBO shared details of icy conditions persisting on local highways, prompting the Bowling Green Police Department to discourage travel if it could be avoided.
The current circumstances highlight the challenges facing residents as they navigate both weather conditions and travel disruptions. With snow and ice continuing to affect major arteries throughout Kentucky and Indiana, officials urge anyone who must travel to proceed with caution.
Travelers are directed to resources such as TRIMARC and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online traffic maps for live updates on accidents and closures. Drivers are advised to stay informed and prioritize their safety as the storm develops.
With the specter of continued snowfall and icy roads looming, local authorities stress the importance of heeding warnings and exercising vigilance on the roads. Keeping abreast of conditions and remaining patient with public services will help navigate the numerous challenges brought on by this fierce winter storm.