A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the area with the potential for blizzard conditions.
This weekend is expected to get below zero outside with windchill reaching negative 23 degrees.
The City of Knox has issued a Freeze Warning for all water customers. Due to the freezing temperatures, it is recommended that residents leave water running from only one faucet, preferably the bathtub faucet, the size of a pencil lead until January 24. Customers will be charged their average bill during this order only. To prevent drafts from entering the home and help protect exposed water pipes, please keep crawlspace doors and openings closed. If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Water Department during normal business hours at 772-3032. If you have a water related emergency, please call the Starke County Sheriff’s office at 772-3771 and our Water Department will be notified immediately.
North Judson is also preparing for the storm. North Judson Utility Department Superintendent Joe Leszek told WKVI News to remind citizens to also leave water running from a faucet the size of pencil lead as temperatures dip below freezing.
Winamac has also issued a freeze warning. It is recommended that all water and sewer customers, residential and commercial, leave their water run at a cold water faucet located inside the home or business until the town announces a stop to the Freeze Warning. If the weather warms to above freezing DO NOT shut the water off! Leave it run. If citizens have any questions please feel free to call the Winamac town office at 574-946-3451.
Predicted snow is 8 inches in some areas. Higher amounts of snow are expected farther north for those traveling. Extremely hazardous and dangerous driving conditions will result in accidents and slide offs. Drifting across roads may result in an increased number of calls for assistance from drivers who become stranded. Drifted roads may impact emergency response times.
Exposure to harsh wind chills will result in frostbite and possibly hypothermia. Power outages may occur. Frozen water lines are likely.
Contacts have been made to area leaders to initiate warming centers. Warming centers will be set up at Bass Lake and also the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox. Starke County residents can contact the Starke County EMA at 574-806-1838 to access these warming centers.
Marshall County residents who need shelter would need to contact the Sheriff’s Department to access the warming centers. So far in Marshall County, the Conservation Clubhouse in Plymouth will be available, as well as the Matchett Center in Bourbon.
