This was one of the greatest snow storms of all time to strike the Indianapolis, Indiana area. Snow began late on the 26th in central and southern Indiana. Snow totals by the morning of the 27th ranged from around an inch in central Indiana to 6 inches in southern Indiana. After a brief pause, snow returned by early afternoon and continued through the late morning hours on the 28th. When the snow ended, 5 to over 16 inches blanketed central and southern Indiana. Significant freezing rain and sleet lowered overall snow totals in southern Indiana. Some areas in southern Indiana were coated by more than one inch of ice. As a result over 200,000 homes and businesses lost electrical power in the area. Snowfall in the Indianapolis area exceeded 12 inches. The last time Indianapolis received more snow from a winter storm was in January 1996. Snowfall records since 1884 indicate that this storm was among the top eight deepest. Little wind accompanied this storm. This allowed the airport to remain open and aided highway crews in the clearing of roads.
The first of multiple winter storm watches across central Indiana was issued for the southern two tiers of counties within the Indianapolis National Weather Service office area of responsibility during the afternoon of January 25th. The winter storm watch was upgraded to a warning mid-afternoon on the 26th and a mix of winter precipitation ensued. The warning area expand north mid-afternoon on the 27th to cover an area from Vigo to Madison to Randolph to Rush to Vigo Counties in anticipation of the second and more vigorous round of snowfall.

Winter Weather in KNOX, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow and sleet totaled 5.5 inches as of 1400 EST 01/27/09.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

A storm total of 12.0 inches was reported.

Winter Storm in HAMILTON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 8.0 inches was measured 1.5 miles west of Carmel, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0800 EST.

Winter Storm in PARKE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 7 inches of snow accumulated by 1200 EST 1/28/09 in Rockville, Indiana.

Winter Storm in CLINTON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 6 inches of snow had fallen by 1200 EST 1/28/09 in Frankfort, Indiana.

Winter Storm in LAWRENCE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:15:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

During the 24-hour period ending approximately 0830 EST 6 inches of snow fell. Snow depth was 10 inches.

Winter Storm in DELAWARE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A total of 12.8 inches of snow was measured in Muncie and reported at 1222 EST 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

A storm total of 10.5 inches of snow fell 5 miles northeast of Brownsburg, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Employee

Snow accumulation reached 10 inches in Indianapolis at 0520 EST on 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in MARTIN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:10:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:55:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 7.0 inches was measured 0.3 miles east-southeast of Loogootee, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0900 EST.

Winter Storm in JENNINGS, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

One half inch of ice accumulation and an estimated 6 inches of snow fell in North Vernon, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MONTGOMERY, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:10:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:55:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 7 inches of snow fell by 1200 EST 1/28/09 in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Winter Storm in JACKSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

One inch of ice accumulation and 2 inches of snow was reported in Medora, Indiana.  Total snow depth as of 0830 EST 1/28/09 was 7 inches.

Winter Storm in VERMILLION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Unknown

Eight inches of snow fell.

Winter Storm in JOHNSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Two tenths of an inch of ice accumulation occurred along with 9.0 inches snowfall.

Winter Storm in JOHNSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Employee

Seven inches of snow accumulation was reported as of 0520 on 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in KNOX, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

A total of 5.8 inches of snow and 0.5 inches of ice was reported fallen in 24 hours ending at 0830 EST on 1/28/09.  Total snow depth at this time was 10 inches.

Winter Storm in BARTHOLOMEW, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:05:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:50:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 7.0 inches was measured 8.5 miles west-southwest of Columbus, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0700 EST.

Winter Storm in PUTNAM, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:10:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:55:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 10 inches of snow fell by 1200 EST in Greencastle, Indiana.

Winter Storm in JACKSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

One-quarter inch of ice accumulation combined with snow produced a total depth of 2 inches in Seymour, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MONROE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:10:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

Nine inches of snow accumulated in Ellettsville by 0811 on 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in BOONE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 7.2 inches was measured 0.7 miles south-southwest of Whitestown, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0700 EST.

Winter Storm in BROWN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 8 inches of snow was on the ground in Nashville as of 1200 EST.

Winter Storm in JOHNSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A total of 10 inches of snow was reported.

Winter Storm in HENDRICKS, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow was reported to have accumulated to 9.4 inches by 0520 EST in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Winter Storm in HENDRICKS, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The reported storm total through 0925 EST 1/28/09 2 miles southeast of Brownsburg was 12.1 inches.

Winter Weather in GREENE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Six inches of snow fell over the 24-hour period ending 0830 EST 1/28/09 in Bloomfield, Indiana. A total of 10 inches was on the ground at the end of the period.

Winter Storm in DECATUR, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

Three-eights inch of ice accumulation along with 5 inches snowfall was reported 2 miles east of Greensburg, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:23:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

The storm total through 0915 EST was 12.5 inches at 2 miles south of Castleton, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

A storm total of 9.5 inches was reported in Southport, Indiana.

Winter Weather in JACKSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

A storm total of 5.5 inches was measured in Seymour, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Snow accumulation in Indianapolis, Indiana reached 7.0 inches.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

A storm total of 12.4 inches of snow was measured at the Indianapolis National Weather Service at the Indianapolis International Airport at 0900 EST on 1/28/09. A total of 7.9 inches fell between 0000 and 0900 EST 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in DAVIESS, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 11.5 inches was measured 1.3 miles south of Plainville, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0735 EST.

Winter Storm in JACKSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An estimated 0.5 inches of ice accumulation was reported on utility lines and trees at 2335 EST in Brownstown, Indiana.

Winter Storm in RUSH, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 12 inches of snow fell by 1200 EST 1/28/09 in Rushville, Indiana.

Winter Storm in RANDOLPH, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 11 inches of snow fell and snow was continuing to fall at 1032 AM EST 1/28/09. Slight drifting was observed.

Winter Storm in MORGAN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Employee

A measured storm total, through 0915 EST, was 11.2 inches in Brooklyn, Indiana.

Winter Storm in HANCOCK, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:10:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 8.1 inches was measured 2.6 miles northeast of McCordsville, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0700 EST.

Winter Storm in VIGO, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A snow depth of 8.1 inches was reached in Terre Haute, Indiana as of 0345 EST.

Winter Storm in VIGO, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Snow accumulation reached 6.8 inches in Terre Haute as of 0200 on 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in MADISON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

A National Weather Service cooperative observer measured a snowfall total of 10.0 inches in Alexandria, Indiana.

Winter Storm in HENRY, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

A storm total of 11.0 inches was measured and reported as of 0851 EST in Knightstown, Indiana.

Winter Storm in FOUNTAIN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A storm total of 7.0 inches was reported as of 0930 EST on 1/28/09.

Winter Storm in OWEN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:10:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:55:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thirteen inches of snow fell by 1118 EST 1/28/09 in Spencer, Indiana.

Winter Storm in SHELBY, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:10:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall of 9.1 inches was measured 0.5 miles northeast of Fairland, Indiana on 1/28/09 at 0800 EST.

Winter Storm in KNOX, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: COOP Observer

One-quarter inch of ice accumulation was observed in Vincennes, Indiana and reported at 2006 EST. Snow and sleet on top of this ice amounted to a total of 0.8 inches.

Winter Storm in CLAY, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 10 inches of snow accumulated on the ground by 1200 EST 1/28/09 in Brazil, Indiana.

Winter Storm in TIPTON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

Seven inches of snowfall was reported 1 mile southeast of Kokomo, Indiana.

Winter Storm in DELAWARE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:25:00 to 28-JAN-09 10:20:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

Eight inches of snowfall was measured in Muncie.

Winter Storm in LAWRENCE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:15:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

A total of 9.0 inches was reported.

Winter Storm in LAWRENCE, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:15:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Mesonet

The 11-hour total ending at approximately 1016 AM EST was 5.5 inches of snow and 0.5 inches of ice. The storm total was 11.0 inches.

Winter Storm in MORGAN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter in Mooresville, Indiana measured 12.1 inches of snowfall as of 1115 AM EST.

Winter Storm in JACKSON, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 21:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

As of 0820 EST on 1/28/09 snow had accumulated to 8 inches and ice to one half inch in Reddington, Indiana.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 20:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 09:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Snow accumulation reached 9.0 inches as of 0457 EST in Indianapolis.

Winter Storm in SULLIVAN, INDIANA
From 26-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

An estimated 9 inches of snow accumulated by 1200 EST 1/28/09 in Sullivan, Indiana.