A powerful storm system brought heavy snow and near blizzard conditions to much of central Indiana on January 5th, with a mix of rain and snow across southeast sections of the area. After the snow diminished during the evening, arctic air plunged into the area on strong winds. The snow and cold created dangerous travel conditions across much of Indiana and surrounding areas. Sections of interstates were closed down, and travel was restricted to emergency personnel only. Schools were closed for a week across parts of central Indiana.
The jet stream dove south into the southern United States, allowing cold air straight from the Arctic to flow south into the USA. This cold air interacted with plentiful moisture being drawn northward with an area of low pressure at the surface. The result was heavy snow for several hours across the northwest half of central Indiana. Across the southeast part of the area, warmer air moved north and allowed for a period of rain. This cut down on snow amounts.  As strong high pressure moved in behind the low pressure, winds increased across the area. Gusts of 30 to 40 mph were common Sunday night, resulting in blowing and drifting of the snow that fell.
Snowfall of 8 to 14 inches was common across areas generally along and north of a Terre Haute to New Castle line. Amounts dropped quickly to the south and east of this line due to warmer air allowing rain to fall for several hours. Areas that received heavy snow saw snow falling at a rate of an inch or more per hour during the height of the storm.  Snowfall diminished by late afternoon but lighter snows continued into the evening.
Gusty winds ushering in the colder air brought blowing and drifting snow. Visibility was reduced in blowing snow across many areas through the day of January 6. This resulted in drifts of several feet at some locations. The snow and lowered visibility caused some roads to be shut down across parts of Indiana. Some state highways and U.S. highways were closed. Many counties in Indiana declared travel warnings, meaning that only emergency vehicles were allowed on the roads.

Winter Storm in FOUNTAIN, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Two 9 inch snowfall observations were reported from the northwest side of the county.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Fountain County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in WARREN, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

An observation of 10 inches of snow was reported from the southeast side of the county.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Warren County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in VERMILLION, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A 9 inch snowfall observation was reported from the county.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Vermillion County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in PARKE, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall observation of around 10 inches was reported from the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Parke County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in VIGO, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Two snowfall observations, of 9 and 10 inches, were reported from the county.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Vigo County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in CLAY, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Two snowfall observations, of 6.8 to just over 9 inches, were reported from the county.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Clay County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in SULLIVAN, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 05:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A snowfall observation, of 9 inches, was reported from near the town of Sullivan.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Sullivan County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in TIPPECANOE, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 8 to near 12 inches in the county.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Tippecanoe County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in MONTGOMERY, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A snowfall observation of 11 inches was reported from Crawfordsville.  Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Montgomery County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in PUTNAM, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 11 to 12 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Putnam County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in OWEN, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall observations ranged from near 6 to 9.5 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Owen County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in GREENE, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A 6.5 inch snowfall observation was reported from the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Greene County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in CARROLL, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A 10 inch snowfall observation was reported from near Flora. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Carroll County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in CLINTON, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 11 to 13.5 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Clinton County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in BOONE, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 9 to 14 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Boone County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in HENDRICKS, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 11 to 13 inches in portions of the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Hendricks County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in MORGAN, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 6 to 11 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Morgan County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in MONROE, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Post Office

Snowfall observations ranged from near 1.5 inches south of Bloomington to 8 inches in Ellettsville. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Monroe County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in HOWARD, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 9 to 12 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Howard County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in TIPTON, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 11 to 13 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Tipton County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in HAMILTON, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall observations ranged from near 9 to 13 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Hamilton County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in MARION, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 8 to 12.5 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Marion County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.
At Indianapolis, the 11.4 inches of snow that fell on January 5 was the second highest calendar day snowfall since records began, and that amount was a new record snowfall for the January 5 date. The Indianapolis record for most snowfall in a calendar day is 12.1 inches on March 19, 1906. At Indianapolis, only two other days in January have ever had greater than 10 inches of snow accumulate in 1 day: January 15, 1965 and January 26, 1978 (during the blizzard of '78).

Winter Storm in JOHNSON, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 10 to 11.2 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Johnson County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in MADISON, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Post Office

Snowfall observations ranged from 8 to 12 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Madison County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in HANCOCK, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 10 to 11.5 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Hancock County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in SHELBY, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 07:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 2 inches in the southwest portion of the county to near 9 inches in the northern portion. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Shelby County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in DELAWARE, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 08:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from near 9 to 13 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Delaware County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in HENRY, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 08:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 3 to near 8 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Henry County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in RUSH, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 08:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A snowfall observation of 12 inches was reported from near Manilla. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Rush County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.

Winter Storm in RANDOLPH, INDIANA
From 05-JAN-14 08:00:00 to 06-JAN-14 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall observations ranged from 6 to 11 inches in the county. Many of the impacts that were noted in the episode narrative, were seen in Randolph County. Schools cancelled classes after the snowfall and as the bitterly cold temperatures took root. Some roads were impassable.