The large winter storm that hit Monroe County on Sunday night brought heavy snow, low temperatures and a travel warning.
Justin Baker, deputy director of Monroe County Emergency Management, said the best way to weather the storm is to stay home. The county was under a travel warning Monday morning — meaning only emergency workers should be on the roads. It’s the highest level of preparedness advised by the state Department of Homeland Security.
Throughout the week, Baker said temperatures shouldn’t be higher than the mid-20s, with nighttime temperatures dropping to single digits.
“Stay home if you can,” Baker said. “Make sure you stay up to date with the conditions, and make sure you stay up to date with the travel advisory map with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.”
Warming centers will be open Wednesday and Thursday at the fire stations and Monroe County libraries.
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Read more: WEATHER UPDATES: Warnings, travel advisories, closings, snow totals
Monroe County may be downgraded Monday to a travel watch, Baker said, depending on road conditions and precipitation.
Indianapolis National Weather Service experts expect a few more inches of snow Monday and subzero wind chills for the rest of the week.
“The National Weather Service is predicting another small amount of snow coming this weekend,” Baker said. “There'll be just an inch or so. It could move more south and not hit us, so it's still up in the air at this time.”
If residents must travel, they should keep their gas tanks full and prepare an emergency bag with medical supplies, food, water, blankets and warm clothing, Baker said.
“This is in case you could get stuck and stranded for a couple hours, you will be able to use your heat and stuff to stay warm,” Baker said.
Baker said people shoveling driveways should take breaks, because the exhausting work could prompt medical emergencies such as heart attacks.
Alternative heating sources such as space heaters shouldn’t be plugged into power strips, Baker said. They should also be clear of anything that could catch fire.
“If you have a generator or a heating source, make sure you have carbon monoxide poisoning detectors in your house,” Baker said. “Make sure that you've checked all of your smoke detectors, because usually during snow storms we see an uptick in house fires.”
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
This story was updated with information on Monroe County's warming centers.
