Weather forecasters are predicting a major winter storm in the area this week, but the intensity of the storm is still under scrutiny. Until snow accumulations and wind conditions come into better perspective, Emergency Management Agency officials are urging residents to be winter weather ready.
Continue readingProtect Mailboxes Prior to Start of Winter Weather
Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation are urging residents to take measures to protect mailboxes prior to the start of winter weather.
Continue readingStarke County Highway Department Preparing for Winter Weather
The Starke County Highway Department is preparing for the winter season, just in time for Winter Weather Preparedness Week!
Continue readingWatch for Blowing and Drifting Snow during Storm, Highway Crews Will Be Busy
With another significant snow event on Saturday, keep in mind that blowing and drifting snow is a factor which could hamper travel plans.
Continue readingBlood and Platelet Shortage Has Reached a Critical Level, Donors Needed
Recent severe weather conditions have resulted in multiple blood drive cancellations, causing the Red Cross to declare that the blood and platelet shortage has reached a critical level.
According to a press release from the organization, no matter the weather is like, every day the Red Cross has to collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations to help meet the needs of patients. Due to the winter weather conditions in January, more than 550 blood drives were forced to cancel causing over 16,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.
Red Cross Communications Manager Rodney Wilson said currently, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they’re coming in. Continue reading
National Weather Service Issues Winter Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. Tonight until 7 p.m. Monday
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for portions of northern Indiana beginning at 10 p.m. tonight until 7 p.m. on Monday. Conditions will impact the counties of Pulaski, Starke and Marshall.
Approximately 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected. Plan on slippery road conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute. They report that additional lake effect accumulations are expected Monday night into early Tuesday, near Lake Michigan. Continue reading
The CDC Warns Individuals to Be Aware of High Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks This Time of Year
With extremely cold temperatures and frigid wind chills expected to continue in the coming weeks, the Center for Disease Control is warning people to take necessary precautions to avoid getting hypothermia or frostbite.
Before going outside, make sure you’re sufficiently dressed for the weather. Your fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, chin and nose should all be thoroughly protected, as these are the areas most vulnerable to frostbite. Continue reading
State Fire Marshal Provides Alternative Heating Tips
Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep the effects of winter weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.
According to State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the U.S. Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take particular precautions if alternative heating equipment is utilized in order to ensure safety this season.
He advises residents to never leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms and to only have one heater plugged in to each electrical outlet. Be to keep heaters away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. Continue reading
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Provides Winter Tips for Motorists
As winter weather approaches driving conditions will become more hazardous with an increase of snow and ice on the roadways during the coming months. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a few tips to keep in mind, to ensure all motorists have a safe holiday travel season.
Be sure to check that your vehicle’s battery, windshield wipers, tires and heating system are all in proper working order before severe winter weather hits. NHTSA also advises drivers to clean snow, ice or dirt from all windows, sensors, headlights and taillights before taking off in a vehicle. Continue reading
Knox Street Department Ready for Winter Weather
The Knox City Street Department is ready for winter. Street Superintendent Jeff Borg told the Knox Board of Public Works members last week that the city has plenty of salt to start of the winter season due to last year’s mild winter.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week
It is Winter Weather Preparedness Week and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to become better equipped to deal with the approaching winter season.
IDHS provided a couple of tips to help inspire individuals to be actively involved with winter preparedness now through November 18th.
Use this week to create or maintain a home readiness kit that may be needed during winter storms. Kits should include a first aid kit and necessary medications, extra clothing, shoes and blankets as well as copies of important documents such a photo ID and Social Security cards. It would be helpful to have a battery-powered or hand crank radio and flashlight. Also include food and water for up to three days, with one gallon of water per person per day. Continue reading
Knox Water Superintendent Provides Tips for Winter
Knox Water Department Superintendent Todd Gardner has a few helpful tips for citizens as temperatures start to drop below freezing.
Gardner advises individuals to disconnect hoses from faucets so they can drain. He said a “frost free faucet” will freeze up and can break at temperatures just below freezing if a hose is left attached to it.
He also explained that homes with crawl spaces need to have those closed up as securely as possible. If crawlspace vents have louvers, or slats, they need to be closed up for the winter season. Continue reading
Winter Weather Advisory in Effect Monday
Winter isn’t quite over as more snow is on the way.
The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana warns that three to five inches of snow could blanket the area throughout the day Monday. This has prompted a winter weather advisory which is in effect Monday until 1 a.m. CT on Tuesday. Higher amounts of snow could fall north of U.S. 30.
Cold Weather May Lead to Hazardous Travel Conditions
Bitter cold overnight temperatures mean icy roads are likely today as wet and melting precipitation freezes again. Continue reading
Knox Residents Face Fines If Pets Are Left Outside Without Food and Shelter
The City of Knox is prepared to enforce an ordinance aimed at ensuring the humane treatment of animals during this extreme cold weather spell. Mayor Dennis Estok says pet owners found to be in violation of Ordinance 1087 will be cited. Continue reading
INDOT Cautions Motorists as Winter Weather Moves In
Indiana Department of Transportation officials are keeping a close eye on the weather so they can respond appropriately to the wintry precipitation mix moving across the state.
Rain, freezing rain, snow and ice are all expected, and a few degrees variance in temperatures can make a big difference. INDOT maintenance supervisors will continue to monitor developing conditions and reports from law enforcement and the public as well as local forecasts so they can respond accordingly. Continue reading
Slick Roads, Warmer Temps Likely Today
Roads are slick this morning as a result of snow that fell overnight. Keep that in mind as you head out and give yourself some extra time to get to where you’re going. Continue reading
Cold Snap Continues With More Sub-Zero Wind Chills
It’s another cold start to the day. The combination of temperatures in the single digits and west winds of 5 to 15 miles per hour will make it feel much colder. Wind chills of between 5 and 15 below zero are expected through mid morning. Continue reading
State Officials Offer Safety Tips for Winter Weather
With snow and frigid temperatures moving into the area, state officials are reminding residents to stay safe during winter weather. Continue reading
Frigid Temps, Additional Snow Possible Today
The good news is we missed the major snow this weekend. Today’s weather, however, is another story. Continue reading
