Travel status for county downgraded to ‘watch,’ caution advised

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Staff Reports
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Mike Wolanin | The Republic Bike racks in the shape of a C stick out against the snow covered landscape of Mill Race Park in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022.

1:15 p.m.update:

Bartholomew County Emergency Management is downgrading the county’s travel advisory status to “watch level” which is orange, at 2 p.m. Friday. This would allow travel on county roads and city streets, although emergency management officials asked motorists not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Those who decide to travel should allow extra time and use caution, officials said.

County officials said road conditions have improved and county and city crews have made progress. However, the continuing extreme cold temperatures could lead to re-freezing of some areas.

Watch

  • Means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

10:50 a.m. update

Road conditions on I-65 were improving Friday morning but Indiana State Police still warned that motorists should stay off the roads if possible.

Statement from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police:

“As you can see, the interstates are becoming clearer. There is still slush on the ramps and shoulders. Please remain home if possible so those #YellowTrucks can continue to make improvement to the road conditions.
If you are on the roads today, you must still drive with extreme caution. With low temperatures and winds, the roads may re-freeze and get covered with blowing snow.”
I=65 conditions in southeastern Indiana, photo by Indiana State Police

 

10:30 a.m. update

Update from Bartholomew County Emergency Management

Bartholomew County officials are meeting at noon today to discuss the county’s current road conditions and progress by highway crews. Emergency Management officials will be discussing the county’s travel status and if a downgrade can occur or it needs to remain at a Warning Level (Red).

Some photos from Republic photo editor Mike Wolanin as the “digging out” begins from the winter storm.

 

7:30 a.m. update

Bartholomew County’s travel status remains at Warning level.

Warning

The highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a “warning” local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:

(A) refrain from all travel;

(B) comply with necessary emergency measures;

(C) cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and

(D) obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

6 a.m. update

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Columbus and Bartholomew County this morning after the winter storm warning expired at 1 a.m.

Light snow with minor additional accumulations is occurring and blowing snow is reducing visibility in the area. Additional snow accumulation of up to one inch is possible.

Driving conditions are slippery, snow-covered roads, patchy blowing snow and reduced visibility.

 

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