(News Release from Mayor Ballard’s Office:)
INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Greg Ballard today urged Indy residents to prepare for potentially deadly winter weather that is forecast to arrive in the area early next week. Current forecasts include heavy snow followed by record cold temperatures extending until next Tuesday.
“The forecast calls for a high temperature on Monday that will be below zero,” said Mayor Ballard. “This extreme cold poses a serious health and safety risk and for that reason the City is asking people to proactively prepare.”
The City is taking the following steps in preparation for the storm.
The Indy SnowForce will continue to be fully deployed (90 trucks) in 12-hour shifts. Private contractors have also been put on standby due to the possibility of snowfall in excess of six inches.
IMPD and local homeless support organizations are currently encouraging homeless people to seek shelter now. This effort will continue throughout the weekend and early next week.
Area homeless shelters are readied to handle the anticipated influx of people and overflow shelters are being placed on standby.
Indy Parks will open 17 community centers for people who need temporary shelter from the cold.
IPL and Citizens Energy Group are suspending utility disconnections for non-payment during this storm event.
IndyGo is bringing in extra drivers and customer service representatives to help maintain service schedules.
“This storm is a very serious concern,” said Troy Riggs, Director of the Department of Public Safety. “Indy residents should make sure they have the necessary supplies, check on their elderly neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure they are prepared, and make appropriate arrangements to care for outdoor animals.”
Never miss me! Subscribe for free. My Huge Radar has real-time weather tracking, current temperatures, and severe weather watches and warnings. Get detailed Indiana conditions by clicking here. Click here to see my central Indiana 7-Day Forecast. Follow these links to get my forecasts for Lafayette, Muncie, Hendricks County, and Hamilton County. Need a second opinion? Click here for central Indiana National Weather Service forecasts. (Some charts via WeatherBELL.)