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The calendar says winter won't be here for another three days, but the weather says otherwise.
"Winter" has hit early and the white evidence is all over Kosciusko County.
What does the National Weather Service recommend Kosciusko County residents do about the weather?
"Move to Florida," joked meteorologist Sam Lashley.
But seriously, Lashley said, there is a developing storm with heavy snowfall heading toward north central Indiana. He said it is currently over southern Missouri and will find its way up to Indiana later tonight.
There is a potential for 5 to 7 inches to fall but Lashley said the weather service is still uncertain where the snow band will track.
They are in the process of evaluating it and should know later this afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to be highs of 15 to 20 degrees during the day and lows around 10 degrees tonight. This will continue through Tuesday with possibly more snow Wednesday and Thursday.
Lashley said things look more optimistic for the weekend, with highs of 15 to 25 degrees and lows of 10 to 15 degrees.
According to Lashley, portions of Iowa already have received 5 inches in the last two to three hours.
South Bend has had an above-normal average snowfall so far this season, but despite this, Lashley said, Indiana is off to a typical weather pattern because there has been no El Nino effect this year. In the past El Nino was the reason the winters were so mild.
Lashley said South Bend has had 34.2 inches of snow this season compared to Fort Wayne's 11.9 inches. South Bend has a lot of lake effect snow, however, he said.
The National Weather Service advises residents to pay attention to the media about the weather. A NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio can be purchased in order to listen to weather coverage. The weather service also advises people to keep food and blankets in their cars and to drive slowly. If there is no pressing reason to go out, it is advised to just stay home.
Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine agrees. He said the Sheriff's Department strongly recommends people stay off the roads, especially county roads, unless they absolutely have to go out. In addition to food and blankets, he also recommends keeping a cell phone and a flashlight in the car in case of emergency.
If anyone needs assistance, don't hesitate to call the Sheriff's Department, he said.
Kosciusko County Engineer and Superintendent Rob Ladson said the plows are working hard to keep the roads clear.
"Things are moving fairly well right now," said Ladson.
"What people don't seem to understand is that we don't have a 24-hour plowing crew, which is what I'd like to have," he said.
Plows start working at 4 a.m. and if the snowfall is really bad, they may not stop working till 4 or 6 p.m. Ladson said 12- to 14-hour days really start to wear on a crew.
As far as salt and sand supplies go, Ladson said, the highway department is in good shape.
"The best thing people can do is be patient and understanding and drive cautiously," said Ladson.
More information about the National Weather Service and how to purchase a NOAA weather radio are offered on the National Weather Service's Web site: www.crh.noaa.gov\iwx.
