Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Indiana, January 26 to 28, 2009

Name: Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Indiana, January 26 to 28, 2009
Start: 2009-01-26T19:30
End: 2009-01-28T10:20
Location: Indiana

January 26 to 28, 2009 · NWS IND · 56 events in 35 counties and zones

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.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 56 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 56

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS IND wrote it up.

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.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Indianapolis, IN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 26, 6:17 PM EST, 1 hour 13 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 26, 6:17 PM EST, 1 hour 13 minutes before

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Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 26, 3:35 PM EST, 3 hours 55 minutes before

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The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

53 winter storm, 3 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Knox

When: January 26, 7:30 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.689, -87.418 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Vigo

When: January 26, 7:30 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Vigo forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.431, -87.390 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Vigo

When: January 26, 7:30 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Vigo forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.431, -87.390 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Knox

When: January 26, 7:30 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.689, -87.418 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Sullivan

When: January 26, 7:30 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Sullivan forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.089, -87.415 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Vermillion

When: January 26, 7:30 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Vermillion forecast zone
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 39.854, -87.464 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Eight inches of snow fell.

Winter Storm, Fountain

When: January 26, 7:45 PM EST to January 28, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Fountain forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.121, -87.242 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Clay

When: January 26, 7:45 PM EST to January 28, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Clay forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.393, -87.116 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Parke

When: January 26, 7:45 PM EST to January 28, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Parke forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.774, -87.206 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Daviess

When: January 26, 7:45 PM EST to January 28, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Daviess forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 38.702, -87.072 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Weather, Greene

When: January 26, 7:45 PM EST to January 28, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Greene forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.036, -86.962 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Putnam

When: January 26, 8:10 PM EST to January 28, 8:55 AM EST
Where: Putnam forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.666, -86.845 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Montgomery

When: January 26, 8:10 PM EST to January 28, 8:55 AM EST
Where: Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 40.040, -86.893 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Owen

When: January 26, 8:10 PM EST to January 28, 8:55 AM EST
Where: Owen forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.313, -86.838 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Martin

When: January 26, 8:10 PM EST to January 28, 8:55 AM EST
Where: Martin forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 38.708, -86.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Lawrence

When: January 26, 8:15 PM EST to January 28, 9:00 AM EST
Where: Lawrence forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 38.841, -86.483 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Lawrence

When: January 26, 8:15 PM EST to January 28, 9:00 AM EST
Where: Lawrence forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.841, -86.483 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A total of 9.0 inches was reported.

Winter Storm, Lawrence

When: January 26, 8:30 PM EST to January 28, 9:15 AM EST
Where: Lawrence forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.841, -86.483 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Monroe

When: January 26, 8:30 PM EST to January 28, 9:10 AM EST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.161, -86.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Morgan

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Morgan forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.482, -86.446 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Tipton

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Tipton forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 40.311, -86.052 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A storm total of 12.0 inches was reported.

Winter Storm, Hendricks

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Hendricks forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.770, -86.510 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:23 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Morgan

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Morgan forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.482, -86.446 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Johnson

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Johnson forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.490, -86.102 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A total of 10 inches of snow was reported.

Winter Storm, Johnson

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Johnson forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.490, -86.102 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Hendricks

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Hendricks forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.770, -86.510 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 39.782, -86.138 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snow accumulation in Indianapolis, Indiana reached 7.0 inches.

Winter Storm, Johnson

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Johnson forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.490, -86.102 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Brown

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Brown forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.196, -86.227 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Clinton

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Clinton forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 40.302, -86.475 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Hamilton

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Hamilton forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 40.073, -86.052 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Boone

When: January 26, 8:45 PM EST to January 28, 9:25 AM EST
Where: Boone forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 40.051, -86.469 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Weather, Jackson

When: January 26, 9:00 PM EST to January 28, 9:45 AM EST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 38.906, -86.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Jackson

When: January 26, 9:00 PM EST to January 28, 9:45 AM EST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.906, -86.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Jackson

When: January 26, 9:00 PM EST to January 28, 9:45 AM EST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 38.906, -86.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Jackson

When: January 26, 9:00 PM EST to January 28, 9:45 AM EST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.906, -86.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Jackson

When: January 26, 9:00 PM EST to January 28, 9:45 AM EST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.906, -86.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Bartholomew

When: January 26, 9:05 PM EST to January 28, 9:50 AM EST
Where: Bartholomew forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 39.206, -85.898 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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, Shelby

When: January 26, 9:10 PM EST to January 28, 10:00 AM EST
Where: Shelby forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 39.524, -85.792 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Hancock

When: January 26, 9:10 PM EST to January 28, 10:00 AM EST
Where: Hancock forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 39.824, -85.773 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Madison

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Madison forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.162, -85.719 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Delaware

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Delaware forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 40.228, -85.397 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Eight inches of snowfall was measured in Muncie.

Winter Storm, Randolph

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Randolph forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 40.158, -85.011 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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 Weather, Knox

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 8:25 AM EST
Where: Knox forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.689, -87.418 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Henry

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Henry forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.931, -85.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Decatur

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Decatur forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.307, -85.501 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Delaware

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Delaware forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.228, -85.397 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Jennings

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Jennings forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.997, -85.628 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

Winter Storm, Rush

When: January 26, 9:25 PM EST to January 28, 10:20 AM EST
Where: Rush forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.620, -85.466 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Indiana in 2009 Every state in 2009 This day in weather history Warnings in Indiana, January 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 152707, 152843, 152846, 152849, 152863, 152875, 152685, 152856, 152857, 152867, 152874, 152859, 152860, 152865, 152873, 152672, 152676, 152779, 152821, 152658, 152661, 152670, 152678, 152689, 152699, 152700, 152702, 152823, 152832, 152838, 152839, 152840, 152841, 152845, 152851, 152853, 152861, 152870, 152871, 152687, and more.