TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Greene County Commissioners on Tuesday announced the county would be under a Travel Warning.
Vigo County commissioners and Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps made similar announcements Monday.
A Travel Warning is the highest level of local travel advisory. They declared that citizens should:
- refrain from all travel;
- comply with necessary emergency measures;
- cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
- obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
In addition to INDOT plow trucks, Vermillion County highway plow trucks would be available for service at 7 a.m. Tuesday in the morning, Phelps said, with main thoroughfares taking priority except for emergencies. He added that phone lines at the Sheriff’s Office and Jail are down as of Monday night, and although 911 was still operational, “First responder times are extended and we cannot get to all areas at this time.”
I-70 saw an onslaught of weather-related activity — eastbound lanes were shut down at the 18 mile marker in Clay County around 4:18 p.m. Monday due to multiple crashes, while I-70 westbound was shutdown at the 45 mile marker in Putnam County for multiple crashes.
As of 9:30 p.m. Monday, Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames reported that ISP’s Putnamville District has contended with 22 motorist assists, 20 property damage accidents, 13 slide offs and four personal injuries.
Lingering impacts are expected into Tuesday with 20-30 mph wind gusts blowing and drifting snow hampering snow clearing efforts. Roads will be hazardous with some roads being impassable.
Vermillion County has also updated its road status to the “watch” level, the Sheriff’s office reported Monday afternoon.
The Vigo County Highway Department began clearing the roadways around 3 a.m. Monday. By 4 p.m, they had 15 drivers trying to keep the highways clear. They will continue working through the night and into Tuesday morning.
County Engineer Larry Robbins said the biggest challenge will be fighting against the refreeze. He asked motorists to drive slow, remain patient and keep headlights on when around snow plows.
Predicted snow amounts, winds and cold temperatures could lead to significant impacts in the moderate to major categories.
According to weather reports, the first wave of snow Sunday night into Monday morning led to snow covered and slippery roads for motorists.
At least one crash with minor injuries was reported in Vigo County this morning. According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames, the crash was on I-70 westbound at the 13 mile marker.
Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps said roadways were covering with snow as fast as crews plowed them Monday morning. State Road 63 and I-74 were both down to one lane each as snow is drifting quickly, he noted.
“Traffic is moving slowly,” he said Monday morning. “Right now, it isn’t deep or horrible yet. The worst is coming through.”
The second wave of snow Monday afternoon could be more impactful with moderate to heavy snow reducing visibility, according to Vigo County commissioners. Blowing and drifting snow could make travel difficult for motorists.
Lingering impacts are expected into Tuesday with 20-30 mph wind gusts blowing and drifting snow hampering snow clearing efforts. Roads could be hazardous with some roads being impassable.
Continue following MyWabashValley.com for updates.
