Big Winter Storm Headed to Central Indiana This Weekend — Here’s What We Know

Well, it’s happening. After a relatively mild January, Indiana’s getting a reminder that winter isn’t done with us yet.

A major winter storm is set to move through central Indiana this weekend, bringing heavy snow, dangerously cold temperatures, and all the fun that comes with it. Here’s what the forecasters are saying.

What’s Coming

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a Winter Storm Watch for central and southern Indiana, effective Saturday morning through Sunday evening.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Snow totals: 4 to 7 inches for much of central Indiana, with southern Indiana (south of I-70 and closer to the Ohio River) potentially seeing 6 to 10+ inches.
  • Timing: Snow arrives late Saturday, with the heaviest falling Saturday night into Sunday.
  • Temperatures: Highs in the low teens. Lows near or below zero.
  • Wind chills: Negative 10 to 15 degrees Friday into Saturday morning.

A Cold Weather Advisory is already in effect through Friday, so bundle up for that morning commute.

Why This Storm Is a Little Different

It’s not just the snow — it’s the cold.

According to INDOT, when temperatures drop below about 12°F, road salt loses much of its effectiveness. That means crews will rely more heavily on plowing and pre-treatment, and roads may stay slick longer than usual.

Translation: even after the plows come through, drive carefully.

Stock Up on the Right Salt

If you’re planning to treat your own driveway or sidewalk this weekend, here’s a quick tip from your friendly neighborhood concrete guys:

Skip the cheap rock salt if you can.

Standard rock salt (sodium chloride) stops working well below 20°F, and it’s rough on concrete — especially if your driveway or patio is less than a year old. With temps dropping into the single digits, it won’t do you much good anyway.

Better options:

  • Calcium chloride — works down to -25°F and melts ice fast
  • Magnesium chloride — gentler on concrete, effective to about 5°F
  • Sand — doesn’t melt anything, but gives you traction when it’s too cold for salt to work

Whatever you use, don’t overdo it. More salt doesn’t mean faster melting — it just means more residue sitting on your concrete when the snow clears. Shovel first, salt sparingly, and sweep up the excess once things melt.

And if your concrete is brand new (poured in 2025), consider skipping the chemical deicers entirely this winter. Sand and a good shovel are your best friends.

Resources to Bookmark

  • Road conditions: 511in.org — INDOT’s real-time map with cameras, closures, and plow locations
  • Weather updates: NWS Indianapolis
  • School closings: Check your local news station

The Bottom Line

This is shaping up to be a high-impact weekend for travel. If you can stay home Saturday night through Sunday, that’s probably the move.

If you do have to get out, give yourself extra time, keep your distance from plows, and maybe toss a blanket and some snacks in the car just in case.

Stay warm out there, Indianapolis.

Silvers Concrete and Paving serves Indianapolis and surrounding communities with concrete driveways, patios, stamped concrete, and asphalt paving. Get an instant free estimate for your next project.

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