Emergency officials have declared a travel watch in several area communities due to the deteriorating road conditions including Bartholomew, Brown, Jennings and Johnson counties. During a travel watch only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended.

Jackson County is under a travel advisory, the lowest level of traffic alert.

State officials say that they activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center at about 7 this morning to monitor the storm conditions across the state. The center is staffed by the Department of Homeland Security, INDOT, The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Police, the National Guard, Red Cross and other agencies.

Staff will monitor conditions across the state, and will coordinate the assistance to local communities when needed.

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, spokesman for the Indiana State Police in our area, says in a Twitter video this morning to be careful out there.

Wheeles also suggested that you should keep an emergency kit in the car. He said that in bad weather, emergency workers are stretched thin and it can be some time before they can reach your vehicle if you become stranded.

State troopers, Bartholomew County deputies and Columbus police are all reporting accidents in the area due to the weather conditions.