Indianapolis, IN – State emergency officials are urging Indiana residents to begin preparing today for potential ice storms this winter, emphasizing that freezing rain can cause far more damage than snowfall across Central and Northern Indiana. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), ice buildup can snap tree limbs, damage powerlines, and shut down major roads for days.
According to NOAA, even a thin glaze of ice can overload weakened branches and create dangerous travel conditions—particularly along I-65, I-70, I-69, and I-74. Indiana’s combination of suburban tree coverage, rural stretches, and high commuter traffic makes the state highly vulnerable when freezing rain arrives. With temperatures fluctuating this week, emergency managers say today is the ideal time to take winter safety steps.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should begin by trimming weak or damaged tree branches around homes, driveways, and sidewalks. These limbs often fail first once ice begins to accumulate. NOAA also advises drivers not to raise windshield wipers before storms, as they may freeze to the glass and break; keeping them lowered and covered is recommended.
Officials encourage families to keep at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential prescriptions. Ice storms can make travel extremely hazardous, isolate neighborhoods, and trigger prolonged outages. Residents are also urged not to park vehicles under trees, where ice-covered branches may fall without warning.
To stay connected during potential power disruptions, emergency managers recommend charging phones, flashlights, power banks, and essential electronics today. Homeowners with generators should safely store extra gasoline and test their equipment to ensure everything works properly. Stocking rock salt or ice melt can also help reduce slip-and-fall hazards around walkways and steps.
“Ice storms can severely impact communities across Indiana,” the NWS said. “Preparing today is the best way to stay safe this winter.”
