Winter storm update: Numerous slideoffs reported in Bartholomew County, find latest closings here

Photo provided I-65 north of the Columbus exit at mile marker 68 has lanes blocked after a semi slid off the interstate. ISP reported this at about 9 a.m. Wednesday.

 

10:20 A.M. UPDATE

The semi has been removed from I-65 and the mile marker 68 Columbus exit ramp is now back open.

9 A.M. UPDATE

Indiana State Police are advising motorists to be cautious on I-65 northbound near Columbus, just north of Exit 68. There is a jackknifed semi off the roadway. ISP: The northbound on-ramp at Exit 68 will be shut down shortly while crews work to remove the semi.

Photo provided I-65 north of the Columbus exit at mile marker 68 has lanes blocked after a semi slid off the interstate. ISP reported this at about 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Drive carefully through the area as a large amount of emergency personnel are on the scene.

 

8:45 A.M. UPDATE

Indiana State Police are reporting numerous slideoffs in this area, mainly in Bartholomew County. They are advising drivers that although the roadways appear to be slushy, weather conditions have deteriorated in the past hour and roads are becoming slick.

Photo provided
A slideoff on I-65 this morning, investigated by Indiana State Police.
Photo provided
A slideoff on I-65 this morning, investigated by Indiana State Police.

 

ORIGINAL STORY

Latest weather update from Bartholomew County Emergency Management and National Weather Service

  • A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Bartholomew County until 7 p.m.  Wednesday.
  • Bartholomew County is predicted to get 1-3 inches of snow.  This is a much lower amount than previously predicted.  Storm warning still provides a range of 2-7 inches for the county.
    • Areas north and west of Bartholomew are predicted to receive higher amounts (2-5 inches) while areas south of Bartholomew County are predicted to receive slightly less snow (1-2 inches).
  • Areas across southern Indiana (which includes Bartholomew County) could see mixed precipitation through Wednesday afternoon.
  • High winds and sub-zero temperatures are not expected as with our last storm.

o   Wind gusts up to 35 mph can be expected at times.

  • Second Wave 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

o   Highest rates along and north of I-70

o   Predominantly snow (North)

o   Mix, transitioning to rain (South)

 

The following closings and delays have been announced due to weather.

Schools

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. is having an elearning day, with lessons being posted on itslearning by 9 a.m.

Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp., closed

ABC Stewart School, closed

Edinburgh Schools, elearning day

Columbus Christian, elearning day

St. Bartholomew, elearning day

St. Peter Lutheran, elearning day

Jennings County schools, closed

St. Paul Lutheran preschool, closed

White Creek Lutheran, elearning day

Brown County Schools, elearning day

Seymour Schools, elearning day

Shelbyville Central schools, closed

Shelby Eastern, closed

Others

Thrive Alliance congregate meal sites are closed today.

Bartholomew County offices are closed, with employees working remotely

Closed: Bartholomew County Humane Society

Closed: Columbus Day Women Bible Study

Closed: Flintwood Wesleyan Church

Closed: Kidscommons

Columbus Human Rights Commission meeting scheduled for today has been canceled.

Road advisories: 5:45 a.m.

The Bartholomew County status has been moved to advisory by Bartholomew County Emergency Management. It is the lowest level of local travel advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas. Issued at 5:43 a.m.

Road conditions: 6 a.m.

Indiana State Police say some thick, wet snow is on the ground this morning and southeast Indiana is currently experiencing a rain/sleet mix with temperatures around the freezing mark. At 6 a.m., the temperature is listed at 33 degrees with the National Weather Service reporting a wintry mix in the area.

State police say interstate highways and state highways appear to be in decent shape with pavement mostly just wet, and slush on the shoulders and ramps.

Many county roads and side roads are in poor shape with thick slush, state police said.

There have been a number of minor crashes already reported as of 6 a.m., state police said.