INDIANAPOLIS — As a winter storm approaches Central Indiana, city and county officials are reminding Hoosiers to plan ahead and stay safe.
WRTV STORM TEAM LATEST: Winter storm to impact Central Indiana ahead of Christmas
"That kind of colds requires all residents to take precaution ahead of the holidays," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said.
During a Wednesday evening update, Sam Lashley, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for Indianapolis National Weather Service, said the storm will impact Hoosiers from Thursday night through Christmas Eve.
The biggest impacts will be the wind, wind chills and cold temperatures.
"This is not going to be your typical winter storm," Lashley said. "We're really concerned with the flash freeze ... [which] means that the temperature drop is going to be so sudden and so great, about 20-30 degrees, that any water on the roads that will transition over to snow will freeze very quickly."
Indy DPW says more than 100 people will be using 76 trucks to treat roads beginning Thursday night. Because rain washes away salt, crews can't pre-treat roads until the rain stops.
The Indy Snow Force Viewermap will be activated at 11 a.m. Thursday. You can also follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for real-time updates.
Solid waste collection will not operate on Friday, December 23. Residents who receive trash collection on Fridays should expect to have double collection on Friday, December 30.
The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday and will operate 24/7 through the event. Nearly 150 personnel from the Indiana National Guard will serve as Highway Assistance Teams, which will be strategically positioned across the northern third of the state to help motorists if needed.
"We can all work together to make this a safe and uneventful holiday weekend," Lauren Rodriguez, Deputy Mayor for Public Health and Safety, said.
Marion County ordinance requires dog owners to bring them indoors if temperatures are at 20 degrees or below or if there is a wind chill advisory. The dogs must be in a building or room between 40-80 degrees.
"Leaving your dog outside in this upcoming weather, they may not survive it," Darcie Kurtz, executive director of Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO), said.
FIDO can provide training crates or a cage if you're concerned about having your dog roam free in your home. Their phone number is 317-221-1314.
FIDO also wants community members who see dogs living outside or outside in cold temperatures to contact FIDO or Request Indy.
The following Indy Parks locations will have extended hours and operate as warming centers:
- Washington Park Family Center, 3130 E. 30th Street - open 4 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25. Cots and other supplies will be available for those needing to stay overnight.
- Garfield Park Burrello Family Center, 2345 Pagoda Dr, and Thatcher Park Family Center, 4649 W Vermont St, will be open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23 and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24
RELATED: Central Indiana counties opening up warming stations for those in need
Homelessness Resources Information
The 2022-23 Winter Contingency Planwas developed to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter months; these additional precautions will be active through March 31, 2023. The plan specifically accounts for alternative measures if current shelters reach capacity.
Single men in need of shelter should check in at the Wheeler Mission Shelter for Men at 520 E. Market St. If it is at capacity, individuals will be directed to overflow locations. Women and families can contact the Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children at 317-687-3630.
When the air temperature falls below 10 degrees or the wind chill temperature falls below zero, Horizon House stays open as a warming center for individuals experiencing homelessness between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Hours on Wednesdays are 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Horizon House is located at 1033 E. Washington Street. If the air temperature is at zero degrees or below, Outreach Inc. will be open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as a warming center for those between the ages of 14 and 24 who are experiencing housing instability. Outreach Inc. is located at 2416 E New York St.
You can watch the entire update below.
For tips on how to protect yourself during the cold weather, click here.
