Press release from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security:
Winter Storm situation update
More than a foot of snow is anticipated to fall in northwest Indiana, and ice accumulations of less than one inch are expected in central Indiana.
Sustained winds of 25-30 MPH are expected in central Indiana with gusts over 45 MPH possible. High winds combined with ice can cause tremendous damage to power lines and trees.
Blizzard-like conditions are predicted for northern Indiana where the combination of snow and gusty winds is expected to result in significant damage to trees and power lines as well.
Power outages
More than 60,000 outstanding power outages have been reported.
County declared “state of emergency”
Six Indiana counties have declared a state of emergency. They include Boone, Fayette, Jasper, LaPorte. Newton and Porter.
RESPONSE UPDATE
State Emergency Operations Center
Under the direction of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is continuing to monitor the developing weather situation around the clock and facilitate communication among state and local emergency management partners. The State EOC is prepared to provide support as requested by local emergency management officials.
Numerous local, state and federal agencies are supporting State EOC operations including: the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Transportation,
Indiana National Guard, Indiana Office of Energy Development, Indiana Red Cross, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana State Police, Integrated Public Safety Commission, National Weather Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wayne Township Fire Department.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has mobilized personnel to assist in removal of storm-damaged trees and tree limbs. Four saw crews totaling 25 personnel are staged at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Owen County and are prepared for assignment. The sawyers, trained and qualified under federal standards, are from the DNR divisions of Forestry, Fish & Wildlife, and State Parks & Reservoirs.
Indiana Department of Transportation
Approximately 750 yellow state plow trucks are deployed to help keep roads clear. The Indiana Department of Transportation is moving drivers from southern Indiana to assist where needed.
Indiana National Guard
More than 700 soldiers are on the ground and immediately prepared to assist the Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police in response to the ice storm including assisting with transportation of stranded motorists. Guardsmen are posted along and north of the I-70 corridor.
Indiana State Police
The Indiana State Police presently have 203 troopers on duty as the forecasted storm continues to move into and through Indiana. Through the late evening and morning hours it is projected 57 troopers will be on duty until approximately 0600 on February 2, 2011 at which time they will be relieved by 139 day shift troopers. If conditions require, additional resources may be deployed.
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