Exercise Caution: Rapidly Worsening Road Conditions on December 1

On December 1, 2023, road conditions around Indianapolis significantly worsened as snowfall began shortly before the evening commute. This sudden weather change prompted a rapid response from emergency services due to an increase in vehicle crashes and slide-offs.

Weather Advisory and Snow Accumulation

A winter weather advisory was put into effect for Indianapolis and nearby areas at 5 p.m. on December 1. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis, a heavy snow band moved across Central Indiana, particularly north of Interstate 70. Snowfall was expected to accumulate between 2 to 5 inches, creating hazardous driving conditions.

“Drivers should proceed with caution and maintain safe distances,” advised the NWS shortly after the advisory was issued. The advisory was set to last until at least 7 a.m. on December 2.

Emergency Response

• IMPD responded to over 50 vehicle accidents between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Among these incidents, at least 10 were classified as unfounded.
• Normal call volume for the IMPD is significantly lower than reported during this period.

As of 7 p.m., Indianapolis International Airport had recorded about 1.7 inches of snow. The weather report predicted an additional accumulation of one to two inches overnight.

Driving Conditions and Safety Recommendations

With snow beginning to fall around 4:30 p.m., conditions deteriorated quickly for evening commuters. NWS models initially projected snowfall to begin later in the evening, which contributed to the severity of the situation.

Local officials and the NWS urged residents to drive carefully. Meteorologist Casey Crosby warned that untreated rural roads would likely remain slick the following morning. “Vehicles should exercise extra caution, especially in rural areas,” Crosby stated.

Upcoming Weather Forecast

As the snowfall was expected to taper off on December 2, temperatures were predicted to drop dramatically with the arrival of an Arctic cold front on December 4. Wind chills could reach as low as zero degrees in the region.

• December 4 temperatures in Indianapolis could drop to around 10 degrees.
• Cities like Crawfordsville and Kokomo may experience temperatures as low as 0 to -1 degrees.

Residents are advised to dress warmly and limit outdoor activities during these extreme temperature conditions. For additional updates on road conditions or weather advisories, individuals can consult Indiana’s Trafficwise map online.