No one can say they got it wrong this time.
The season’s first major winter storm—and the first of this magnitude in years—arrived right on schedule Sunday morning. Snow began falling heavily, mixed with freezing rain and sleet, creating hazardous conditions throughout the day. The sleet intensified late Sunday and continued overnight, leaving a treacherous mix of ice and snow across the area.
Local authorities reported no major injuries or incidents, though they responded to several slide-offs and minor crashes. By Sunday night, Knox County Commissioners declared a disaster and placed the county under Red Travel Status, restricting road use to emergency vehicles only.
Schools, government offices, and businesses closed Monday as residents were urged to stay home. Utility crews from WIN Energy, Duke Energy, and CenterPoint worked to restore power to customers impacted by outages across the region.
The storm wrapped up Monday afternoon, giving road crews a chance to clear primary and secondary routes.
Knox County officials met today to assess the aftermath of the storm. Emergency Management Director John Streeter told Vincennes PBS that major roads in Vincennes and Bicknell are reopening this evening, and improving conditions on county roads have prompted a downgrade from a Red Warning Travel Status to an Orange Travel Watch, effective at 6 p.m. The Knox County Courthouse will also reopen Tuesday, as nearby parking lots and streets are being cleared. Streeter noted there were no major weather-related incidents and credited the community for heeding warnings and following safety guidelines, which he said likely helped minimize problems.
The bitter cold is here to stay for the rest of the week. Highs are expected to remain in the 20s, while lows will drop into the teens and single digits. Wind chills are forecast to fall below zero, adding to the challenges for road crews and residents alike. Officials say the snow and ice aren’t going anywhere soon, and they’re asking for patience as crews continue their work.
This storm serves as a reminder to be prepared for winter weather. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, check on neighbors who might need assistance, and take steps to stay safe during this cold snap.
