GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Expected snow fall could set the stage for bitter cold temperatures to arrive next week.
That’s according to WTWO Chief Meteorologist Jesse Walker, who said Friday could see incredibly low air pressure which will allow for storms to hit the area.
Walker added that as rain turns to snow many in the area could see the snowfall begin to build up on the ground with some models calling for up to 3 inches in Terre Haute by midnight, with a potential 8 inches of snowfall in nearby Champaign, Illinois.
In addition to snowfall, the low-pressure could cause high winds which could damage trees and power lines in the area.
Following that storm another round of snow could hit over the weekend, which Walker said he expected could be a lighter, less dense, snow.
But all of that will set the stage for next week when temperatures are expected to drop to dangerously low levels early in the week.
Walker said we should see our first sub-zero air temperatures, with wind chills potentially going as low as 15° to 20° below zero.
With the low temperatures in mind one area EMA has already put out a warning for residents to be prepared and if possible, stay home and out of the dangerous conditions.
“Now is the time to prepare,” Greene County EMA Director Roger Axe said. “While the weather is permissible, see that you have food, fuel, and medications. Visit the grocery, top off your vehicle’s tank, and renew your prescriptions.”
Axe advises locals to take the following precautions;
- If you live in a mobile home, check your heat tape so your water pipes do not freeze.
- If you are worried about your pipes leave a small stream of water running from the tap.
- Stock vehicles with an ice scraper, spray de-icer, gas line anti-freeze, and spray the inside door locks with de-icer to prevent them from freezing shut.
- Park vehicles facing the driveway or parking spot exit to take advantage of front wheel drive’s ability to pull the vehicle out of the snow.
- Be sure you neck and head are covered if you must go outside, and think twice about wearing jewelry as metal doesn’t retain heat well.
- If you must travel have a fully charged cell phone, an extra blanket, a towel, and socks.
“If you do get stuck in snow, make sure your tail pipe is clear of snow or carbon monoxide can back feed into your vehicle,” Axe said. “Run your engine every hour for 20 minutes and during that time crack your window to again protect against carbon monoxide as you wait for rescue.”
Axe asked residents to stay home if possible, as anyone needing rescue not only puts their own life in danger, but the lives of first responders.
