In addition to the bitterly cold temperatures, we’re also in for more snow this weekend. A wind chill advisory is in effect for the WKVI listening area through midday, and a winter weather advisory has been issued through Saturday afternoon. Wind chills of between 15 and 25 below will continue this morning, according to the National Weather Service. On top of that, southwest winds will cause snow to blow and drift. More snow is possible across the area later today into the evening hours. It’s expected to taper off Saturday morning, but areas to our north could get additional lake effect snow. The combination of snow and strong winds will create hazardous travel conditions. Motorists should prepare for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities, especially in open areas. If you do go out this morning, cover any exposed skin, as frostbite and hypothermia can occur quickly when it is this cold. Several schools have either canceled classes today or are operating on two-hour delays. That list is posted on our closings and delays page: http://www.wkvi.com/closings-and-delays/
More Frigid Temperatures Set Up Over Kankakee Valley
We’re in for another bout of arctic cold weather overnight into tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for the area. It takes effect tonight at 7 Eastern, 6 Central and continues through midday tomorrow. Another surge of Arctic air moving across the area will cause wind chills of 15 to 25 below this morning… and again tonight and Friday morning. There will also be patchy blowing and drifting snow this morning. The combonation of blowing and drifting snow combined with bitterly cold wind chills will cause hazardous travel this morning. Remember, exposed skin can suffer frostbite with extended exposure. Visibilities will also be limited this morning due to a combination of falling and blowing snow. Use caution when traveling, especially in open areas. If you must venture outdoors, be sure to wear a hat and gloves.
National Weather Service Cancels Lake Effect Snow Watch
The Lake Effect Snow Watch for Starke County has been canceled, but bursts of heavy snow are still possible this morning. That snowfall combined with gusty northeast winds at 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts of up to 30 will lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities may be reduced to less than half a mile at times, according to the National Weather Service. Snowfall amounts of between 2 and 4 inches with as much as 5 inches in a few areas is possible before the snow diminishes. Travel may become difficult in spots, especially along west-east untreated roads. Motorists are urged to use caution this morning.
Road Crews Ready to Battle Snow
Road crews for the Indiana Department of Transportation are ready to tackle heavy lake effect snow predicted in the Northern Indiana area.
The National Weather Service has issued a lake effect snow watch this morning through this afternoon with total accumulations of three to six inches in the Starke County area. Continue reading
National Weather Service Issues Lake Effect Snow Watch
We’re in for another significant snowfall. The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Effect Snow Watch for late tonight through tomorrow evening. Snow accumulations in excess of 10 inches are possible within what’s described as a “narrow but intense” snow band. Heavy snow with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible. Blowing and drifting may also occur, with north winds of between 10 and 20 miles per hour. As a result, visibilities may be reduced to one-quarter mile or less, roads may become slick and snow-covered, and roads may become impassable. The WKVI Information Center will be staffed tonight to bring you the very latest on this storm, including any closings or delays or travel advisories. Check our closings and delays page frequently for updates.
Winter Weather Advisory in Effect Through New Year’s Day
Look for 2014 to get off to a snowy start. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory through noon tomorrow for the WKVI listening area. That means periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Snow accumulations of between 2 and 5 inches are expected overnight into tomorrow, and more snow is possible Wednesday night into Thursday. As a result, roads will become slick and snow-covered late into the evening, and visibility will be limited. Keep this in mind if you’re out, and allow ample time to reach your destination.
Flood Watch in Effect Through Sunday Morning
The combination of rain and melting snow could make for a soggy weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the entire WKVI listening area through Sunday morning. Rainfall totals of between 1 and 3 inches are possible, with much of the precipitation expected Saturday night. Streams, creeks and low-lying areas are expected to flood first, but rivers could overflow their banks early next week. Residents who live in low-lying areas are urged to monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. A watch merely means conditions are favorable for flooding to occur, while a warning means flooding is occurring.
NWS Reporting Station at Starke County Airport Down
A number of Starke County residents have been unable to check the weather specifically for Knox due to a failing reporting station at the Starke County Airport. According to an official with the National Weather Service, this reporting station has been down for a while, but it doesn’t have much of an effect on their ability to predict and monitor weather. There are other sites in the surrounding area and observers that give weather information on a daily basis, but the malfunctioning reporting station does prevent Knox-specific weather from being reported.
National Weather Service Confirms Pulaski County Tornado
The National Weather Service confirms a tornado struck Pulaski County on Sunday. An EF-1 tornado touched down just south of U.S. 421 and Delaware Street in Medaryville at 3:03 p.m. and lifted 10 minutes later about 2.5 miles northeast of Denham. The funnel cloud’s path width is estimated at 100 yards, with a length of 13 miles. The storm’s maximum wind speed is estimated at 110 miles per hour. The storm was one of at least 15 that hit the Hoosier State on Sunday.
National Weather Service Issues Freeze Watch
You may wake up to frost on the pumpkin tomorrow morning, so plan accordingly if you have outdoor plants. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for the entire WKVI listening area through early tomorrow morning. Overnight temperatures in the 29 to 32-degree range are predicted. This could kill vegetation.
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for LaPorte County
High wave action and dangerous swimming conditions are likely at beaches in LaPorte County through early tomorrow morning, according to the National Weather Service. Strong rip and structural currents are expected due to north winds of between 15 and 20 miles per hour with occasional gusts topping 25 MPH. Waves are expected to build to between 4 and 7 feet this afternoon and continue through tonight.
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Lake Michigan
If you’re heading to Lake Michigan in the next few days, stay out of the water. That’s the advice of the National Weather Service. Waves of up to 9 feet and strong rip currents are possible today and tomorrow, both of which make swimming extremely dangerous. Strong winds will cause wave heights to build up to 10 feet tonight. Dangerous conditions aren’t expected to subside until Wednesday evening.
Heat Advisory Issued Until Friday Night
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the WKVI listening area until Friday evening. It officially takes effect today at noon ET and continues until 8 tomorrow night, as temperatures climb into the low 90s and heat indexes hit the triple digit mark. Overnight lows will only drop into the low 70s tonight. A heat advisory means a combination of high temperatures and high humidity significantly increase the likelihood of heat related illness. If you have to be outside, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to heatstroke and other conditions, so be sure to check on them and make sure they are well hydrated. Likewise, see that outdoor pets have ample water and shade. If possible, stay inside in the air conditioning until this weather breaks.
No Major Storm Damage Reported…Yet
We’ll have to wait until the sun comes up to fully assess the damage caused by last night’s storms. The National Weather Service issued a number severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings for the entire WKVI listening area as storms packing strong winds, heavy rains and hail moved through the region. Dispatchers in Starke County received reports of trees down on 1100 E., and storm spotters noted hail in Koontz Lake. Some trees were reported down in Pulaski County, and several listeners sent us photos of golf and tennis ball-sized hail. Spotters reported possible tornado sightings in Marshall County last night, but dispatchers there say no damage was reported. Continue reading
Significant Flooding, Severe Weather Possible
Significant flash and river flooding are possible through the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall totals of between 1 and 3 inches are expected over the next 24 hours, with locally higher amounts possible. Soils are already saturated from recent rains, making low-lying areas much more flood prone.
Severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and damaging hail are also possible into the overnight hours. The National Weather Service is tracking an intense thunderstorm complex, known as a derecho, which could span a 1,000 mile swath across the Plains and Midwestern states. As always, we will bring you the very latest on the air and online at WKVI.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Tippecanoe River Flood Warning Remains In Effect
Major flooding is expected for the Tippecanoe River near Ora as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has placed Starke, Pulaski and Marshall Counties under a flood warning until further notice. Moderate flooding is already occurring, and major flooding is forecast. The flood stage for the Tippecanoe River at Ora is 12 feet. As of 7 p.m. Sunday it was at 13.9 feet and rising. At 15 feet, near-record flooding is in progress.
Flooding Forces Fair Breakfast Cancellation
Flooding in the Winamac Town Park has forced the cancellation of Saturday’s Pulaski County Fair Association breakfast. A new date has not been set. The river is expected to remain above the 10 foot flood stage in Winamac until at least this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Additional rain is possible later this week. The river is also out of its banks near Ora, where flooding is affecting nearby homes. It’s not expected to crest until early tomorrow morning.
Flood Warning Issued For Tippecanoe and Yellow Rivers
Flooding is likely in the WKVI listening area due to the recent heavy rainfall. The National Weather Services has issued a flood warning for the Tippecanoe River in Ora and above Winamac and for the Yellow River at Knox and Plymouth. The most immediate concern is the Tippy in the Monterey area, which is approaching the flood stage of 12 feet. It’s expected to rise above that stage tonight and crest at 13 feet around 8 a.m. EDT Sunday. At 13 feet the river begins to affect streets and homes in downtown Monterey. This crest compares to the May 18, 2009 flood when the Tippecanoe crested at 13.3 feet. Continue reading
Marshall County Officials Prepare for Potential Flooding
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery and Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter are preparing for potential flooding issues in Marshall County and in Plymouth.
Avery told WKVI that they are preparing to monitor several areas for flooding in low-lying areas, agriculture areas and in residential areas. Avery encourages you to take all precautions necessary for potential flooding, whether that be moving to higher ground or sandbagging. Sand and sand bags are available at the old EMA office north of the highway department.
Several Weather Advisories in Effect for Kankakee Valley
Batten down the hatches, the Kankakee Valley is in for a wild ride courtesy of Mother Nature. A wind advisory and a flood watch are both in effect for the entire WKVI listening area, and the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Kankakee River at Davis-Route 30, which will affect Starke, LaPorte and St. Joseph Counties. Flood stage for the river in that area was 9.4 feet and steady late last night. Flood stage is 10 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage this morning and crest near 12.7 feet early Saturday morning. That’s still considered moderate, as extensive agricultural flooding doesn’t officially occur until the river hits 13 feet in that area. Continue reading