Wind wreaks havoc around state

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Only a few inches of snow fell overnight in central Indiana, but the whipping wind was causing bigger problems.

In spots it was nearly impossible to see due to blowing snow, and roads cleared by snow crews were soon re-covered. 

• ROAD CONDITIONS | Check with INDOT before you drive

Sliding semis clogged interstate traffic in a couple different areas early Friday morning, even before the heavier traffic of rush hour.

INDOT reported many roads throughout the state to be difficult to pass, including interstates in the Indianapolis area. Indiana State Police reported white-out conditions, especially on north-south roads. 

INDOT had more than 600 truck drivers battling blowing snow and wind across the state.

In southern Indiana, a fatal crash involving a semi at Interstate 65 and U.S. 31 had the interstate closed near the 36-mile marker for several hours early Friday morning.

ISP said the semi went down an embankment from I-65 northbound onto U.S. 31. Traffic was expected to be restricted on U.S. 31 through this afternoon, ISP said. Traffic will be able to enter I-65 in both directions, but through traffic on U.S. 31 at I-65 will be blocked.

• TAKE CARE | Winter driving tips from ISP

 

What's ahead

Forecast 8 meteorologist Randy Ollis said some flurries remained by midday, but no additional accumulation was expected.

A wind advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph will continue to make driving difficult.

• FORECAST 8 WEATHER BLOG | Get the latest weather info here

 

Power outages

The wind also knocked out power to several thousand people in Howard County.

By about 1:30 p.m., Duke Energy was still reporting more than 8,000 customers without power, down from 11,000 at about 7 a.m.

I&M was reporting more than 4,100 outages at about 9 a.m., down from about 4,500 - but most were in far northern Indiana. In Indianapolis,

IPL was reporting about 131 customers without power at about 1:30 p.m.

 

School closings

More than 100 schools and other entities were reporting delays and closings to WISHTV.com Friday morning. Check here for the latest info.