BLOOMINGTON — Much of Indiana and other parts of the midwest are bracing for a winter storm that could bring moderate to heavy snow, possible sleet and sub-freezing temperatures Sunday through Monday.
As of 3 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service had issued a Winter Storm Watch for Monroe County from 7 a.m. Sunday through 7 p.m. Monday. Winter storm watches are issued when winter storm conditions are possible within 24 to 48 hours, defined as more than one inch of snow in 12 hours, more than half an inch of sleet in 12 hours or a combination of snow, sleet, ice with snow or sleet meeting warning criteria.
A Winter Storm Warning, Issued when the same conditions are expected with an 80 percent or higher chance, are occurring or expected to occur within the 36 hours and are capable of producing high0impact and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Winter weather conditions are forecasted to begin in Bloomington early Sunday morning. Heavy snow and possible sleet is expected around mid-day and is expected to last through overnight Monday morning. Light to moderate snow is expected through the end of the winter storm, which is forecasted to leave the area by the end of the day Monday.
Major travel impacts are expected through the heaviest bands of snow and periods of sleet.
If road conditions worsen, the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency may issue travel alerts for the county, ranging from an advisor, watch or warning.
You can track current travel alerts on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security alert dashboard.
Under a travel advisory, routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas. During a travel watch, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended.
When a travel warning is issued, travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only.
When the snow stops falling, Bloomington is expected to get anywhere from six to 10 inches of snow, although some areas may see locally higher totals, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service. An updated forecast is expected Saturday morning.
The cold weather is expected to last through much of the week, with highs forecasted in the low-to-mid 20s. Overnight lows could dip below zero.
