Storm knocks out power, snarls travel across Ind.

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Storm knocks out power, snarls travel across Ind.

Slippery conditions were reported across the region as a winter storm sweeps across the nation, knocking out power to thousands.(WSBT-TV file photo)

By SBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Jan 28, 2009 at 7:18 AM EST

Story Updated: Jan 28, 2009 at 10:06 AM EST

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — More than 92,000 homes and businesses were without power Wednesday morning in southern Indiana, as a winter storm dumped snow and ice across the state.
Central Indiana saw the most snow, with the National Weather Service saying the 10.7 inches that has fallen in Indianapolis since Monday is the city's biggest snowfall since January 1999.

Some 45,000 Vectren customers were without power in the Evansville area, spokeswoman Chase Kelley said. Duke Energy reported more 47,000 outages, most in Clark and Floyd counties near Louisville, Ky.

Kelley expected the number of reported outages to grow as people woke up and found that their electricity was out.

"We're seeing it's just an absolute mess in terms of systemwide damage," she said.

Ice was knocking down tree limbs and power lines even as workers were working on repairs, she said.

In central and northern Indiana, there was less ice but more snow, snarling traffic for morning commuters. Accumulations of 5 inches or more were expected as far north as Fort Wayne.

Travel was hazardous and most school districts in the southern-two thirds of the state closed for the day. Some rural counties also issued warnings asking drivers to stay off roads.

Indiana University closed its 39,000-student Bloomington campus until at least noon Wednesday because of hazardous travel conditions. The university said it will make a decision on whether to reopen after noon based on updated road conditions.

The University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Vincennes University and IUPUI in Indianapolis also closed for the day.

A car slid out of control Tuesday on snow-covered Indiana 64 about 30 miles west of Louisville and collided with another car, killing a Marengo woman.

Indiana State Police said 36-year-old Suzanne M. Mosson lost control of her car, which spun into the path of another car.

In Evansville, fire officials said the roof of a home collapsed Tuesday from the weight of snow and sleet. No one was hurt as the residents were on the first floor when the roof collapsed onto the second floor.

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