Winter storm blog: Updates on the Dec. 22 winter storm

Check in here for the latest updates on this major winter storm.

INDIANAPOLIS — Central Indiana is experiencing a major winter storm that's bringing dangerously cold temperatures, strong winds and snow. The frigid temperatures put individuals at a greater risk for hypothermia and frostbite, while the flash freeze could contribute to downed power lines and outages.

As weather moves into your area, we'd love to see your photos. Submit them through the WTHR news app. Click here to learn how to download on Apple and Android devices.

Check out the latest Live Doppler 13 Forecast here. See the weather conditions in your neighborhood with our Interactive Radar or watch a live stream of Live Doppler 13 Radar.

Sunday, Dec. 25

11:28 a.m. - Fire crews are responding to an increased number of calls for fire alarms due to busted sprinkler systems.

Fire Crews are responding to an increased number of calls for fire alarms due to busted sprinkler systems. This is very typical when we experience sub zero temperatures.
Posted by Bargersville Fire Department on Saturday, December 24, 2022

7:53 a.m. - The National Weather Service has officially declared it a white Christmas.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis would like to declare that it is officially a White Christmas for central Indiana.
For Indianapolis, this is the first Christmas Day since 2017 that has had at least one inch of snow on the ground.
❄️🎄❄️ #INwx
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) December 25, 2022

4:04 a.m. - A Wind Chill Advisory will come to an end at 11 a.m. as conditions continue to slowly warm.

A Wind Chill Advisory will come to an end at 11AM as conditions continue to slowly warm. Snow returns late tonight into Monday with light accumulations expected. Best chances for higher snow totals will be across southwest Indiana. Take precautions if traveling. #INwx
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) December 25, 2022

Saturday, Dec. 24

4:30 p.m. - Snow continues to blow across Interstate 69 in Huntington County near Warren. (Courtesy Megan Smaltz)

Friday, Dec. 23

4:52 p.m. - Delaware County is under a Warning (RED) travel level. That means travel is restricted to emergency personnel only.

4:44 p.m. - The Winter Storm Warning for most of the area will go through 7 a.m. Saturday.

4:10 p.m. - Ugh...does it make it worth it if it is a record?

Brutal "high" in Indy of -1° so far today. If that holds:
Coldest high temp for Indy in nearly 30 years
Daily record coldest max temp
One of only 17 days with since 1871 with high temp that cold
Not saying much, but not as harsh Saturday but still needle-like air #13weather
— Sean Ash (@SeanAshWX) December 23, 2022

4:04 p.m. - Please take it slow out there, even if the roads look clear. Several troopers responding to help others have had their cars hit.

Trooper Hank Kalina is the Third Trooper in our District to be struck while investigating a crash in the past 15 hours.
He was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries
Please SLOW DOWN
4-wheel drive doesn’t help you stop on a slick road
— Sgt. John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis) December 23, 2022

3:30 p.m. - Carmel Christkindlmarkt will be closed on Dec. 24 due to the frigid weather.

3:17 p.m. - Indiana State Police is helping with a nine car pileup in Allen County.

@ISPFortWayne working 9 car pile up in Allen County - northbound I-69 300mm (just north of Airport Expressway… northbound traffic is blocked, all NB traffic being diverted onto Airport Expressway (299mm).
— Sgt. Brian Walker (@ISPFortWayne) December 23, 2022

1:15 p.m. - Indy DPW crews are out trying to clear roads. On the northwest side of Indianapolis, roads are partially cleared but passable.

12:30 p.m. - A crash in Grant County has all lanes of I-69 south closed. This is in an area just west of Warren and north of Marion.

10:40 a.m. - Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine shared the number of reported crashes, slide-offs and assistance calls over the last 19 hours.

In the past 19 hours Troopers from the Indianapolis District have responded to:
54 Crashes - 9 with injuries
13 slide offs
66 motorist assists (disabled or stuck vehicles)
We’ve had 2 ISP 🚓’s struck, the Troopers are thankfully ok
— Sgt. John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis) December 23, 2022

9:50 a.m. - The snow has mostly moved out, but Chuck Lofton and Kelly Greene are sharing what's left of the winter storm — including dangerously cold temperatures.

8:45 a.m. - 13Sunrise reporter Samantha Johnson and photographer Frank Young are in Beech Grove, where the wind chills are at -33 degrees.

Made it to downtown Beech Grove!
Same story down here. Breezy, brutal and blustery. 🥶🥶
Feels like -33 here at 8:15am. @WTHRcom | #13Sunrise
— Samantha Johnson 13 NEWS (@SamJohnsonNews) December 23, 2022

8:40 a.m. - An Orange "Watch" Travel Advisory has been declared for Hancock County.

This means only essential travel is recommended, and emergency action plans should be initiated for businesses and other organizations.

8:10 a.m. - There are nearly 100 canceled flights out of Indianapolis International Airport.

According to @flightaware, nearly 100 flights have now been canceled at @INDairport. Many people have been stuck here since Thursday evening waiting for their re-scheduled flights. @WTHRcom
— Matthew Fultz (@matthewfultztv) December 23, 2022

7:52 a.m. - With the air temperature around -10 degrees in Indianapolis, it's no surprise a pond on UIndy's campus is starting to look more like a skating rink.

Check out this half-frozen pond on @uindy’s campus!
This was taken just after 7:30 Friday morning. @WTHRcom | #13Sunrise
— Samantha Johnson 13 NEWS (@SamJohnsonNews) December 23, 2022

7:34 a.m. - AES Indiana reported just over 700 customers were without power as of 7 a.m.

7:07 a.m. - The Indiana State Police Pendleton district said that troopers in the district have responded to six crashes and seven slide-offs, and assisted 43 stranded motorists since 3 p.m. Thursday.

7:02 a.m. - Trash pickup will not happen in Indianapolis due to the winter storm, according to Indy DPW. Instead, people who get trash collection on Fridays will have a double collection on Friday, Dec. 30.

6:55 a.m. - The website for NineStar Connect, which provides power for Hancock County, is currently down. To report a power outage, go to the SmartHub app or call 317-326-3131 opt. 9.

6:25 a.m. - In a 6 a.m. update, AES Indiana said freezing rain and high wings have knocked down trees, limbs and power lines across its service area. Just over 2,500 AES customers were without power as of 6 a.m., down from more than 5,000 at 4 a.m.

5:55 a.m. - Nine Indiana counties have issued a travel warning, meaning travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. Those counties include:

Adams
Grant
Franklin
Jackson
Jay
Jennings
LaPorte
Rush
Tipton

To see an updated map of travel statuses, click here.

5:45 a.m. - AES Indiana now reports 1,057 customers are experiencing outages in the area. Most of those outages are on the far east side of Indianapolis, in the Cumberland area.

Duke Energy reports 2,503 customers are without power, though many of those are in the southeastern part of the state along the Ohio and Kentucky borders.

5 a.m. - The Boone County Sheriff's Office provided an update early Friday on conditions and incidents in the county.

Since 4 p.m. Thursday, deputies have responded to one minor injury crash, six non-injury crashes, four slide-offs, eight disabled vehicles, and one incident with powerlines down in a roadway.

Roads in the county remain very slick with lots of ice, minor snow drifting, strong winds and poor visibility at times.

The county remains under a yellow travel advisory.

The sheriff's office issued the following statement:

“Right now, our biggest concerns have to do with lower temperatures, ice covered roadways, strong winds, and low visibility. We ask, if you don’t have to be out, don’t come out. These are the types of conditions you can freeze to death in, due to making minor mistakes in these types of conditions. If you do have to go out, we ask that you thoroughly check your vehicle over prior to departure, checking tires, clearing windows, and making sure fluids in vehicles are topped off. Take a Go Bag filled with extra clothes, hats, gloves, food, and water. We are more than happy to assist everybody, but sometimes it may take a minute for us to get to you due to conditions and/or number of calls for service. Leave earlier for your destination and leave extra room between you and other vehicles on the roadway. With these winds and slick roads, stopping immediately is a big issue right now. Please remember to let your faucets drip so your pipes don’t freeze and be mindful of electric heaters and fireplace cleanliness, to keep from having house fires. Stay safe, stay warm, and Merry Christmas!”

4:15 a.m. - Samantha Johnson has an update on road conditions in downtown Indianapolis.

Crews are working downtown to clear ice and snow from the city streets.
We’re heading to Lawrence to check out conditions there. @WTHRcom | #13Sunrise
— Samantha Johnson 13 NEWS (@SamJohnsonNews) December 23, 2022

3:45 a.m. - The temperature at Indianapolis International Airport shortly after 3:30 a.m. was -8 degrees, with a wind chill of nearly -40 degrees.

3:40 a.m. - Tune into 13Sunrise beginning at 4 a.m. for team coverage of the winter storm.

Matthew, @ginaglaros and I will be monitoring conditions across central Indiana this morning.
Stay with @WTHRcom for winter weather coverage all morning.
Stay home if you can. Be extra careful if you can't.
— Samantha Johnson 13 NEWS (@SamJohnsonNews) December 23, 2022

3:35 a.m. - Wind chills throughout Indiana are in the -30 to -20 range early this morning.

Check out these cold wind chills. As cold as I have seen in many years, maybe ever around Central Indiana. See you LIVE on #13sunrise.
#13weather #inwx @WTHRcom
— Chuck Lofton (@ChuckWTHR) December 23, 2022

3:30 a.m. - Incoming passengers at Indianapolis International Airport told 13News their flight was a little bumpy as they approached Indy.

Indianapolis International Airport is a little quiet this morning. Folks waiting for baggage claim tell me their flight in was a little bumpy once they got closer to Indy. Zero visibility when landing. @WTHRcom
— Matthew Fultz (@matthewfultztv) December 23, 2022

2:30 a.m. - AES Indiana now reports nearly 4,000 outages, with large concentrations on the north and northeast sides.

1:30 a.m. - AES Indiana reports just over 600 outages. The majority are on the northeast and east sides of Indianapolis.

Duke Energy reports nearly 1,400 outages throughout the state. The majority are concentrated in southern and south-central Indiana.

1:20 a.m. - The National Weather Service Indianapolis office reports an official snow total for the winter storm thus far of 1.1".

12:45 a.m. - Indiana State Police is continuing to urge residents to stay off the roads if possible. Over the last nine hours, troopers in the Indianapolis district have responded to 41 crashes (7 with injuries), 11 slide-offs, and 23 disabled vehicles.

In the past 9 hours, Troopers in the Indianapolis District have responded to:
41 crashes (7 with injuries)
11 slide offs
23 motorist assists (disabled vehicles)
Roads are hazardous and the temperature is extremely dangerous
Please only go out if you absolutely have to
— Sgt. John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis) December 23, 2022

Thursday, Dec. 22

11 p.m. - 13News crews update you on the latest conditions during this storm.

10:25 p.m. - The Indiana Department of Homeland Security county travel status map indicates two counties - Jackson and LaPorte - are at warning, the highest level of travel advisory.

10:15 p.m. - A Facebook post by the Clinton County Sheriff's Department reported drifting on north-south roads and significantly reduced visibility.

10:14 p.m. - AES restored power to the southeast side. Around 240 people are without power in other parts of Marion County. Duke Energy has around 200 people without power.

10:08 p.m. - AES is still reporting more than 3,000 customers without power.

9:32 p.m. - AES tells 13News a tree branch came down on a line knocking out power to thousands of people on the southeast side of Indianapolis. Crews are there working to restore power.

We're now in the power outage portion of this storm.
Over 3,000 AES customers without due to a tree branch falling on a line on the southeast side of Indy.
MAJOR thanks for those that are working to restore power in 30+ mph gusts and wind chills -20.#13weather
— Sean Ash (@SeanAshWX) December 23, 2022

9:08 p.m. - AES is reporting nearly 3,200 people without power. Duke Energy has 217 without power. The strong winds bring concerns of more outages in the hours to come.

9:02 p.m. - All lanes of I-65 south near SR 43 coming into Lafayette are back open after they were closed just before 8 p.m. for a semi crash.

8:40 p.m. - Temperatures have dropped 30 degrees in a few hours, and they're still going down. See Angela's latest weather blog here.

8:25 p.m. - We can't say this enough....stay off the roads if you can, and if you can't – take it slow.

Couple interstate crashes involving semis right now. If you’re interested in road conditions, you can see pictures from snow plows and stream live INDOT cameras here
— Lindsey Monroe (@LindseyWTHR13) December 23, 2022

8:10 p.m. - Volunteers ringing bells for the Salvation Army's red kettle donations will get some relief from the cold over the next few days. The organization said most bell ringers and red kettles will not be out at many locations Friday and Saturday.

However, if it is safe for volunteers to travel and there are indoor locations available, like many Kroger stores, the organization will still try to keep a few red kettles out each day.

Donating online using the Central Indiana Virtual Red Kettle is always available at .

8 p.m. - See photos from around central Indiana

PHOTOS: December 2022 winter storm

7:59 p.m. - The heavy snow band is well east of Indianapolis now.

50-55 miles separating Indy from heavier snow band that’s hitting Richmond to North Vernon.
Roads are messy across most of the state. Accidents mounting #13weather
— Sean Ash (@SeanAshWX) December 23, 2022

7:45 p.m. - All lanes of I-65 south near SR 43 coming into Lafayette are closed for a semi crash.

7:42 p.m. - Please be safe out there. The roads are treacherous.

Roads in the Bargersville area are deteriorating fast. Overpass at I-69 & 44 is a skating rink. @TrafficWise
— Michael Pruitt (@Michael_Pruitt1) December 23, 2022

7:35 p.m. - That looks like someone is throwing snowballs in Unionport!

Oh wow…keep us updated on how much 😊❄️❄️ #StormTeam13
— Angela Buchman (@angelabuchman) December 23, 2022

7:28 p.m. - Let it snow...

Heaviest snow band setting up in east-southeastern Indiana where highest totals will occur. Even "lighter" snow will be highly impactful due to the wind/bitter cold #13weather
— Sean Ash (@SeanAshWX) December 23, 2022

6:59 p.m. - All lanes of I-465 north near East 56th Street are closed due to a jack-knifed semi.

6:37 p.m. - 13News reporter Rachael Krause is on the east side of Indianapolis, where snow has started falling and is sticking to the ground.

Starting to see snow stick to the grass Indy’s east side
Business and gas station traffic is starting to quiet down as the snow and winds pick up @WTHRcom
— Rachael Krause (@RKrause_News) December 22, 2022

6:35 p.m. - Nearly 150 soldiers from the Indiana National Guard have activated to patrol and help motorists on Hoosier roadways. The soldiers are working in 30 teams to patrol in central and northern Indiana.

6:34 p.m. - 13News reporter John Doran and photographer Bill Reilly are in Whitestown, where snow is blowing on the roads, making visibility difficult.

This is I-65 south in Whitestown. Blowing snow is really affecting visibility #inwx @WTHRcom
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) December 22, 2022

6:28 p.m. - Several crashes have been reported in both directions of I-465, between I-70 and Rockville Road, on the city's west side.

6:21 p.m. - If you're looking for a warming station in Plainfield, there are a few open.

It’s going to be cold the next few days. Here are some options in Plainfield that Hendricks County Emergency Management has set up as warming stations. If wide spread power outages occur or the situation warrants, other options may be considered. Follow us for updates.
— Plainfield Fire (@PlainfieldFire1) December 22, 2022

6:18 p.m. - There are lots of reports of crashes on I-465 on the west side of Indianapolis. Please go slow and stay safe.

6:10 p.m. - Temperatures in Lafayette have reached single digits. It was 8 degrees shortly after 6 p.m. The wind chills in the western part of the state have dipped below zero.

Temperatures are already in the single digits in Lafayette - dangerous cold, wind and snow tonight
— Angela Buchman (@angelabuchman) December 22, 2022

5:55 p.m. - There are numerous reports of accidents in areas where the weather has changed over to snow. Be careful out there on the roadways and take it slow. In fact, 49 of Indiana's counties are under some sort of travel advisory — with six counties at the orange level. Check county travel statuses online here.

5:40 p.m. - 13News reporter Rich Nye is at the Indianapolis International Airport. As of 5:29 p.m., there are nine canceled departing flights and 13 canceled flights that were scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis.

Now up to 9 cancelled departures and 13 cancelled arrivals tonight at @INDairport. @WTHRcom
— Rich Nye (@RichNye13) December 22, 2022

5:35 p.m. - Road conditions are worsening near Brownsburg.

One driver slid off into a ditch. Another skidded on the road here on SR-267 near E County Road 1000 N north of Brownsburg in Hendricks County. @WTHRcom #INwx #WinterStorm
— Karen Campbell (@KarenCampbellTV) December 22, 2022

In Pittsboro, the temperature is dropping, snow is sticking and winds are picking up.

From Danville to Pittsboro. What a change in snowy conditions. Snow is sticking. Winds are picking up. Temps are dropping fast! @WTHRcom #INwx #WinterStorm
— Karen Campbell (@KarenCampbellTV) December 22, 2022

5:20 p.m. - The snow has reached the northwest side of Indianapolis.

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5:11 p.m. - Snow is starting to stick to roads in Brownsburg.

And here it is at 5:45 p.m.

5 p.m. - In Boone County, the roads are becoming snow covered, and a travel advisory is in effect.

4:56 p.m. - Indiana State Police is reminding people to not 911 or any dispatch centers to check on road conditions. The number of calls to 911 is expected to increase for emergencies, and phone lines need to stay open for those emergencies.

ISP said those who want to check road conditions can go to 511in.org, download the INDOT Trafficwise mobile app or call 1-800-262-7623.

4:45 p.m. - One lane of I-70 east is blocked between Mount Comfort Road and 400 W due to a crash involving a semi truck.

I-70 east near Mount Comfort...all lane closed for the next hour due to a semi spilled load
— Angela Buchman (@angelabuchman) December 22, 2022

4:42 p.m. - Snow is starting to stick in Lizton. 13News reporter Karen Campbell is checking out roads on U.S. 39.

Snow is sticking on U.S. 39 south of Lizton in Hendrick’s County. #INwx
— Karen Campbell (@KarenCampbellTV) December 22, 2022

4:38 p.m. - The administrative offices of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Friday. They will reopen Dec. 28.

4:35 p.m. - Road crews in Boone County are already out as the rain turns to snow and roadways start to get slick.

4:22 p.m. - The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23. A decision on whether or not to open Saturday will be made on Friday.

4:13 p.m. - 13News reporter John Doran is live in Lebanon, where rain showers quickly turned into heavy snow in just minutes.

Rain showers just turned into a heavy, wet snowfall here in Lebanon within the last few minutes #inwx @WTHRcom
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) December 22, 2022

4:10 p.m. - Roads are going from wet to icy as rain transitions to snow. Check out Angela's latest weather blog here.

Roads are quickly going from wet to icy and snow covered...this is in Covington in western Indiana around 4pm
— Angela Buchman (@angelabuchman) December 22, 2022

Check out the temperature drop...already in the 20s in western Indiana with snow falling #SnowTeam13
— Angela Buchman (@angelabuchman) December 22, 2022

4:00 p.m. - We're live on an extended 13News at 4 p.m. with complete coverage on the winter storm.

3:55 p.m. - The rain is already switching over to ice in Vigo County.

The rain is just now changing over to ice in Vigo County.
Road conditions will worsen quickly!
Please reduce your speed, increase your following distance and buckle up!!
— Sgt. Matt Ames (@ISPPutnamville) December 22, 2022

3:20 p.m. - For veterans traveling to VANIHCS facilities for appointments Friday in Muncie, Peru, Fort Wayne, Marion and South Bend – those concerned about their safety because of the weather can reschedule their appointments by calling 1-800-360-8387.

2:55 p.m. - Fishers released its winter storm plan, which includes the following:

Department of Public Works

Snow Fight Activated: More than sixty trucks are deployed with crews working twelve-hour shifts through the end of the storm system
Crews will begin treating roadways just prior to the anticipated flash freeze
As snow precipitation falls, crews will begin clearing roadways according to the CoF snow removal policy, beginning with primary roadways and ending with neighborhood roadways as the storm concludes
Information on roadway snow clearing can be found here:

Fishers Fire and Emergency Services

Information and resources will be communicated to all Smart 911 subscribers and vulnerable populations
Fire Stations throughout the city are fully staffed with additional backup staffing scheduled
Fishers DPW will place crews with Fire Stations to accompany Emergency Services on runs to clear roadways
Emergency Operations Center is led by Fishers FES which will monitor the changing conditions of the weather event and assess emergency response

Fishers Police Department

Patrol officers are prepared for winter weather and will be on alert for hazardous driving
FPD will support Emergency Operations Center monitoring and response.

City of Fishers

City communications channels will provide up-to-date information on resources and emergency response through email, social media, and local media

2:25 p.m. - Here's an updated and extended forecast from Chelsea Stevens.

2:20 p.m. - Winterlights will be closed Thursday and Friday, and the entire Newfields campus will be closed on Friday.

2:09 p.m. - Indianapolis Public Schools canceled all athletic events, which includes practices and games, Thursday night and Friday.

1:55 p.m. - The Indianapolis Zoo will close at 5 p.m. Thursday. It will assess the weather situation tomorrow and put out an update on whether it will open Friday.

1:47 p.m. - Here's the latest update from Sean as the winter storm approaches.

1"+ per hour snow rates & blizzard conditions developing on the backside of the front in Illinois. Preview of what's to come this evening. #13weather
— Sean Ash (@SeanAshWX) December 22, 2022

1 p.m. - President Biden spoke from the Oval Office Thursday. He warned Americans to take the storm seriously, saying, "this is not like a snow day when you were a kid."

12:55 p.m. - The Indianapolis Public Libraries will be closing at 3:30 p.m. and will remain closed through Friday.

12:45 p.m. - The Marion County Clerk's Office will not accept in-person bond payments after 4 p.m. Thursday. The office will reopen for in-person payments at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Click here for more information on posting bond online.

Ivy Tech announced all campuses will be virtual on Friday, Dec. 23. Students with on-campus appointments will be contacted to discuss virtual options.

REMINDER: It's getting colder — time for a refresher on Indy's pet laws

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12:31 p.m. - Carmel Christkindlmarkt will close early, at 3:30 p.m., on Dec. 22. Additionally, the market will be closed on Dec. 23.

The market is still scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24.

12:15 p.m. - A few dozen churches and businesses have already announced closures in anticipation of the storm. See the latest closings and delays here.

12:10 p.m. - City and state leaders have already laid out plans ahead of the winter storm. DPW planned to start salt treatments around 3 or 4 p.m., depending on rain patterns and the shift to snow.

AES Indiana will have extra crews, contractors and customer service reps ready in case downed power lines cause outages. If power does go out and people lose heat, family centers at Indy Parks will be open as warming centers during regular hours.

There will be extended hours at three locations: Washington, Garfield and Thatcher Parks. Washington Park's Family Center opens at 4 p.m. Thursday and goes around the clock through 8 a.m. Sunday. Garfield and Thatcher Parks Family Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

12 p.m. - See the latest weather blog from Kelly Greene.

Winter storm blog: Updates on the Dec. 22 winter storm

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Sunday, Dec. 25

Saturday, Dec. 24

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Friday, Dec. 23

Thursday, Dec. 22

PHOTOS: December 2022 winter storm

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