Snow Forces Christkindlmarkt Closure as Temperatures Plummet in Central Indiana
Snowfall dramatically impacted Central Indiana over the weekend, forcing the closure of popular events and impacting the community. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that snow began accumulating on Saturday at a rate of up to one inch per hour.
Snow Accumulation and Weather Forecast
Early reports indicated significant snowfall across the region. Areas such as Fishers and Brownsburg reported approximately 5.5 inches by evening, while Franklin recorded about 5 inches. Indianapolis itself saw about 3.5 inches by late afternoon, with forecasts predicting an additional inch of snow could fall through Saturday evening.
Temperature Drops and Wind Chill
As snow blanketed the area, temperatures fell to 12 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind speeds of 14 mph resulting in wind chills as low as -11 degrees. Hoosiers are advised to find shelter from the freezing conditions, as community resources are available for those in need.
Local Closures and Safety Concerns
The extreme weather conditions led to several closures. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt announced it would close early at 7 p.m. on Saturday and remain closed on Sunday. Other establishments like the Indianapolis Public Library and the Indianapolis Zoo also closed their doors due to the inclement weather.
- Carmel Christkindlmarkt: Closed Saturday and Sunday
- Indianapolis Public Library: Closed at 2 p.m. Saturday
- Indianapolis Zoo: Closed
In response to the hazardous conditions, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) reported 111 traffic accidents by Saturday afternoon. Safety remains a priority, and residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling.
Continued Weather Warnings
The NWS has maintained a winter storm warning for Central Indiana, set to expire at midnight Saturday. Meteorologist Greg Melo noted the patterns of snowfall are attributed to low-pressure systems in the area. While the severity of the winter is uncertain, increased snowfall is expected early in the season.
Upcoming Weather Outlook
The forecast indicates continued cold temperatures into the following week. Here’s a summary of the upcoming weather:
| Day | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday Night | ~1 | -1 | Snow tapering off, cold |
| Sunday | 9 | -2 | Sunny and cold |
| Monday | 24 | 17 | Mostly sunny |
| Tuesday | 35 | 30 | Mostly sunny |
| Wednesday | 43 | 37 | Partly sunny with a chance of rain |
| Thursday | 51 | 23 | Rain likely |
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions and to take precautions during this winter season. For more local news and updates, continue following El-Balad.
