The National Weather Service has upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for central and southern Indiana, which is expected to receive up to 8 inches of snow on Sunday. The warning will remain in place from Sunday morning until Monday afternoon.

A watch was first issued for Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon. That’s meant to put people on notice that a severe storm could occur in the coming days, said NWS meteorologist Andrew White. A warning, on the other hand, indicates serious threats to travel, property and life in the coming hours.

Winter storm watches become warnings when there will be 5 inches or more of snow in a single event.

The NWS has “much more high confidence than we’ve had in a while” about heavy snowfall Sunday, White said.

During earlier predictions of the storm it was estimated Indy could see 8-10 inches of snow. The storm shifted south, changing those snow predictions.

To see the latest forecast for Central Indiana, visit www.weather.gov/ind.

Winter storm: Abandoned vehicles along Indianapolis interstates will be towed immediately

More: How to report neglected pets in Indy and keep animals safe and warm during freezing temperatures

Indiana weather radar

How much snow will Indianapolis get?

Here’s how much snow is predicted throughout central Indiana as of Saturday morning:

• Indianapolis: 6-8 inches
• Noblesville: 4-6 inches
• Kokomo: 2-3 inches
• Muncie: 3-4 inches
• Lafayette: 2-3 inches
• Bloomington: 6-8 inches

Indiana road conditions

The National Weather Service expects “widespread travel impacts” throughout the region.

Experts advise you to avoid driving unless necessary. If you do have to drive, INDOT recommends you bring an emergency kit with includes extra layers of clothing, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, drinking water, a first aid kit and maps.

Give yourself plenty of time to travel to your destination. Drive slower than you normally would, allow more distance between cars, and do not slam on the gas or brake pedals.

Check road conditions in real-time at 511in.org.

Where should I go if I need shelter?

Sunday temperatures are expected to stay in the 20s, which will be dangerously cold without adequate protection from the elements.

People can find information about warming shelters via the city’s winter contingency plan or by calling 211. Emergency warming shelters will be available during harsh weather conditions through March 31.

Indy Parks Family Shelters will be open to all during normal business hours, which can be found at this link.

More: Freezing cold is here. Where to stay warm and find overnight shelter in Indianapolis.

Symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite

Freezing temperatures carry the risk of cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia, and it’s important to recognize the early warning signs of both conditions. Both can be prevented by bundling up and limiting time outdoors, and medical attention should be sought immediately if you suspect either condition.

Frostbite is a skin injury caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, and it’s most common in parts of the body that are exposed, like hands, ears and noses. Damage caused by severe frostbite can be permanent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early warning signs include:

• Redness and pain in skin
• Numbness
• Firm, waxy skin
• White or gray-yellow skin

Learn more: How cold is too cold? Here’s what makes the bitter cold so dangerous

People may not know they’re experiencing frostbite because affected areas become numb.

Hypothermia is when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. Advanced hypothermia is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It’s prevented by staying in a warm environment and dressing appropriately for the cold. Per the National Weather Service, early warning signs of hypothermia include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Shivering
• Sleepiness
• Stiff muscles

Call an ambulance as soon as possible if you suspect frostbite or hypothermia. While waiting for medics, go indoors immediately, remove any wet clothing and bundle up in dry blankets. Areas with frostbite can be immersed in warm — but not hot — water. Drinking warm liquids can also be helpful, so long as they don’t contain alcohol or caffeine.

The National Weather Service warns that some groups, including infants, the elderly, outdoor workers, people with chronic illness and unhoused people are at increased risk for cold-related injuries.

Know your weather warnings

❗ Winter storm warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected. Take action. Confidence is high from meteorologists that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

⚠️ Winter weather watch: Snow, sleet, or ice is possible so be prepared. Confidence is medium from meteorologists that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

❄️ Winter weather advisory: Wintry weather is expected so exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken

Weather info you need

🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.

⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.

💻 Internet outages: How to track them.

🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.

🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.

Where to report power outages and downed lines

• AES Indiana customers: 317-261-8111
• Duke Energy customers: 1-800-343-3525

How to report downed traffic signals or tree limbs blocking a road

If you encounter a downed traffic signal or a limb blocking a roadway, contact the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622 or online at RequestIndy.gov. When calling after hours, press “2” to be connected.