How to Brace for the Major Winter Storm Coming to Indiana and Kentucky

Like everyone else, I've been keeping an eye on this winter storm since earlier in the week and even reported on it when the National Weather Service first mentioned it. Of course, there’s been a lot of buzz from other forecasters on Facebook for a while now, but when the NWS chimes in, that’s when I really pay attention. The consensus has been pretty much the same across the board: it’s still too early to say for sure. We’re all in a “wait and see” mode right now.

And yep, as of today, it’s still too early to call. But the good news is, forecasters are getting more specific, so let’s break down what we know so far and talk about how you can prepare.

GROWING CONCERN FOR JAN 2025 WINTER STORM TO IMPACT INDIANA AND KENTUCKY

From the National Weather Service in Paducah: A significant winter storm with mixed precipitation types is still poised to impact the Quad State region Saturday night into Monday. Travel impacts are likely across the area from this system; however, there is still a lot of uncertainty with respect to precipitation types and timing, how much precipitation we will get, and and how severe the travel impacts will be. Expect more details over the next day or two! Keep up-to-date with the latest forecast updates.

From the National Weather Service in Indianapolis: The potential for significant snow exists from late Sunday through Monday night when a strong system is expected to slowly pass to our south. Mixed or icy precipitation is also possible, especially south of I-70. Stay tuned through the late week for updates regarding this potential hazard.

From the National Weather Service in Louisville: Precipitation is expected to start Sunday morning, mainly in the form of snow with a few locations receiving sleet. During the day Sunday, the precipitation will transition over to a wintry mix with mainly snow along and north of the I-64 corridor into southern Indiana, with the potential for significant icing over the northern half of Kentucky, mainly along and north of the Western Kentucky and Bluegrass Parkways. Further south towards the KY/TN border we will see snow, ice and even a transition over to rain for a time, especially along the KY/TN border.

The NWS is definitely a solid resource, but they haven’t really been diving into the details of what the models are showing just yet. I watched the latest update from OneNation WX, and, unfortunately, the forecaster kept mentioning “the Ohio River Valley” over and over again. It’s clear that this area is going to be a focal point, but there’s a bit of disagreement between the models on the exact details. One thing is for sure, though—we are definitely going to see some winter weather. How intense and where exactly it hits? That’s still up in the air, but winter is definitely on its way.

Read More: What's the Difference Between Sleet and Freezing Rain? 

Arctic Air to Follow

It looks like the models are showing some major differences—one predicting a lot of ice for us, and another saying snow will hit the Ohio River Valley. Northern Indiana and Illinois seem like they'll be getting a serious snowstorm, while Kentucky is bracing for a mix of rain and sleet. But the real kicker? Toward the end of the update, the forecaster mentioned the Polar Vortex making its way in by Tuesday, bringing some seriously frigid temperatures. We’re talking record lows, so buckle up.

Now, I know we live in the tri-state, where anything can happen—heck, we could be soaking up 75 and sunny by Sunday, and honestly, that wouldn’t surprise me one bit. But even so, it’s always better to be prepared! I’ve lived through a couple of ice storms myself, and let me tell you, they’re not just inconvenient—they can be downright dangerous, especially with this polar air on the way. So, do yourself a favor and take precautions now. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late.

Here's How to Prepare

Figure Out a Plan
Have a plan of action in case your heat goes out. You know what ice does, right? It builds up on power lines and snaps them. When I was in middle school, an ice storm hit the tri-state, and we were without power for a WEEK. I was cold, miserable, and—let’s be honest—I kind of hated my family (not really, but you get the idea). We used a kerosene heater, but it’s crucial to be super careful with any heat sources. Carbon monoxide deaths spike this time of year, so take extra precautions. You can grab a carbon monoxide detector for about $20 at Walmart today. Also, don’t forget that there are warming centers in our area. There’s no shame in using them—especially if the power goes out.

READ MORE: See Photos from the Deadly 2009 Ice Storm

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Read More: Report Tri-State Closings & Delays

Gather Supplies
My husband calls me Anxiety Ashley, and honestly, he’s probably right. I’ve lived through enough to know that it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. So what’s on my mind this week? Food, water, and warmth. After waiting a week for power to come back on during an ice storm, we couldn’t even leave our home. This time around, we’re investing in solar powered chargers for our phones, extra batteries, and plenty of candles. My husband’s job? Chopping wood for the fireplace. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for having these supplies ready. Here's a rough list of what I am getting.

• Propane for the grill
• Matches/Extra lighters
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Cell charger
• Board games / puzzles
• Gas up vehicles
• Salt
• Snow shovel
• Flashlights
• Candles
• Batteries
• Food that can easily be prepared
• Disposable dishware
• Non electric can opener
• Water / drinks
• First aid kit
• Pet food
• Portable radio

Be Safe on the Roads
Stay off the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary. The last thing we need is to create more work for our first responders, so please, be smart and only travel if it’s an emergency. Here's how to check road conditions in the tri-state.

Think About Pets and Outdoor Animals
If you have an outdoor pet, please, for the love, bring them inside. Unless it’s a husky or malamute—they’re made for the snow! But for all other animals, make sure they have proper shelter, fresh water, and food. Be a good human and look out for them, too. Here's how to safely insulate animal homes (on a budget).

Enjoy the Weather
Ice storms are the worst. But snowstorms? They can actually be a lot of fun! If you're in an area where snow is expected, make sure you get your sleds ready now—you could be in for a big treat! Here’s a list of some things you’ll need to get before the weather hits: