INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County officials upgraded the local travel status to a Travel Watch Saturday as a winter storm continues to batter central Indiana, marking the second level of emergency travel restrictions.
Under a Travel Watch, conditions are considered threatening to public safety. Only essential travel — such as commuting to work or responding to emergencies — is recommended during the watch status.
Overnight crash surge
The dangerous conditions led to a significant spike in traffic incidents across Indianapolis overnight, according to Indiana State Police Sgt. Perrine.
In Marion County and surrounding counties, overnight crash numbers included:
- 78 crashes, including 10 with injuries
- 16 slide-offs
- 27 motorist assists for disabled vehicles
Officials are actively monitoring road conditions and may escalate Marion County's travel status as the storm progresses. Indiana uses three travel status levels: Advisory, Watch and Warning.
Safety recommendations
For those who must travel, officials recommend:
- Drive with extreme caution
- Allow extra travel time
- Leave plenty of room between vehicles, including snowplows
- Notify family or friends upon arrival
- Keep vehicles fueled
- Carry emergency supplies including blankets, a small shovel, charged phone
For minor property-damage accidents, drivers should exchange information and continue on their way. Weather impacts may delay first responder and tow truck response times.
Call 911 only for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 311.
View current travel advisories and definitions at www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/.
