Monroe County, Indiana – Residents of Monroe County are being urged to stay off the roads as a major winter storm continues to blanket the region, prompting officials to issue a travel warning—the highest level of local advisory—Sunday morning. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security reported that the warning went into effect at 8:55 a.m., with conditions expected to worsen throughout the day.
A travel warning is a serious alert that instructs individuals to comply with emergency directives, cooperate with public officials and disaster services, and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers, according to the DHS. Monroe County Emergency Management officials emphasized on Facebook that “road conditions are expected to continue deteriorating, and people should refrain from all travel, unless in an emergency.”
The snowstorm has brought life-threatening cold temperatures to the area. Wind chill values could drop to as low as 11 degrees below zero Sunday, and 15 degrees below zero on Monday. Sustained north winds of 9-11 mph, with gusts reaching 22 mph, will only worsen the frigid conditions, creating hazardous travel situations across the county.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Bloomington, set to remain in effect until 7 a.m. Monday. Total snow accumulation in the area is expected to reach 9-13 inches, further complicating road conditions and making travel extremely risky. The NWS has urged residents to delay travel if possible and, if travel is unavoidable, to prepare with essentials such as a flashlight, food, and water. Drivers can call 511 for the latest road conditions.
State and federal officials have mobilized in response to the storm. On Saturday, Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency due to the extreme cold, snowfall, and threats to public safety. As part of the response, the Indiana National Guard has been deployed to provide highway assistance teams to support motorists navigating the dangerous roads.
In addition, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana on Saturday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide federal assistance to affected communities. This federal support allows local and state agencies to work in concert to manage road safety, emergency shelters, and public assistance programs.
Public transit services have also been affected by the storm. Bloomington Transit announced via Facebook that services will not operate on Sunday, citing safety concerns for both employees and passengers. A decision regarding Monday’s transit operations will be made Sunday night, with updates expected to be shared through BT’s social media channels.
For those seeking shelter from the dangerous weather, local warming centers remain available. Residents can call 211 for a list of open facilities, where they can stay warm, recharge devices, and access essential resources until conditions improve.
Officials continue to stress that the combination of heavy snow, subzero temperatures, and gusty winds makes travel extremely dangerous. Monroe County Emergency Management and the DHS strongly advise that residents stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. Emergency services and highway crews are working to keep critical routes open, but treacherous conditions remain widespread.
With the winter storm expected to persist through Monday morning, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, monitor local updates, and follow guidance from law enforcement and weather agencies to ensure their safety. This storm serves as a stark reminder of the hazards that winter weather can pose, especially when high winds and bitter cold accompany heavy snowfall.
