Bloomington, Ellettsville road conditions, weather, closures

2:30 p.m. Winter storm warning canceled for Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Greene, more

The winter storm warning has been canceled for several surrounding counties, including Monroe, Owen, Morgan, Brown, Greene, Bartholomew and Decatur. While residents may see lingering precipitation, any impact will be minimal.

According to Monroe County's Emergency Management, some county roads will still be in poor travel condition due the type of snow built up. Multiple municipal departments are still working to clear these roadways.

While this morning saw over a 1,000 households reporting power outages, most of those issues have been resolved by early afternoon. Between local utility companies Duke Energy, South Central Indiana REMC and Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC, only about a dozen customers are reportedly without power at 2:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m. Bloomington streets cleared, city official OKs travel

From his vantage point in the downtown courthouse square, city public works director Adam Wason reported seeing a cluster of cleared pavements, courtesy of the street division team's ongoing snow plowing efforts.

While some small neighborhood streets might still have some snow-covered lanes, main roads and high-volume areas are clear and safe for travel, according to Wason.

Due to late night rain, the city was unable to pre-treat roads in preparation for this winter storm, but the street division team, which includes around 40 employees and 30 plow trucks, have been hard at work since 1 a.m. today. Wason noted precipitation has been mostly snow and slush rather than ice due to relatively warm temperatures, which eases the removal of snow buildup. While road conditions are considered fine within city limits, Wason still encourages drivers to remain cautious and drive slow while out on the road.

If anyone feels the desire to walk around in the cold, a lot of pedestrian traffic areas, such as downtown's curb ramps, should be clear as well, courtesy of employee efforts through the city's supportive employment program and partnership with Centerstone.

10:50 a.m. About 1,300 households affected by power outages in Monroe County

Multiple electric companies are reporting widespread outages in Monroe County, totaling about 1,300 affected households. As of 10:50 a.m., approximately 230 Duke Energy customers, 180 South Central Indiana REMC customers and 915 Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC customers are without power. If you are experiencing a power outage, you are encouraged to contact your utility company immediately.

9:50 a.m. Only essential travel encouraged in Monroe

Monroe County's travel status has advanced into a "watch" level, which means current conditions are considered a threat to public safety. Only essential travel, such as commuting to or from work or in cases of emergency, is recommended.

8:40 a.m. Snow accumulating on roads

INDOT snow plow cameras show snow is starting to accumulate on Interstate 69 in Bloomington. Snow is also collecting on Ind. 46 between Bloomington and Nashville and between Bloomington and Ellettsville.

Owen County has moved to a watch status, meaning travel conditions are threatening to public safety. Only essential travel is recommended.

7:20 a.m. Travel advisory for Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Greene and Lawrence counties

Drivers should exercise caution on area roads. A travel advisory is in effect for Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Greene and Lawrence counties.

INDOT snow plow cameras show slushy roads

INDOT's Trafficwise website shows plows are out keeping roads in and out of Bloomington passable. Cameras on plows clearing Ind. 46 and I-69 reveal slushy conditions.

Weather related-closures and late openings

• Both Bloomington YMCA locations are closed today

• Bloomfield School District will conduct an eLearning day today.

• All locations of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management will open at 10 a.m.

• Lighthouse Christian Academy schools will be closed today.

• WonderLab, at 308 W. Fourth St., will open 1-5 p.m. today.

• All Monroe County Community School Corp. schools are on eLearning today.

• All Monroe County government offices are closed today.

• Richland-Bean Blossom schools are on eLearning today.

• MSD of Martinsville is on virtual real-time learning today.

• Mooresville schools are on eLearning today.

• Bedford North Lawrence schools are on two-hour delay.

• Mitchell schools are on two-hour delay.

• Spencer-Owen Valley has canceled school for today.

• Seven Oaks Classical School has canceled school and all extracurricular activities today.

• Meals on Wheels will be closed and there will be no deliveries today.

• Bloomington's American Legion Post 18, 1800 W. Third St., is closed today.

• Half-Priced Books, 3120 W Susan Dr., will be closed today.

• Community Kitchen will not run its food truck tonight.

6 a.m. Wednesday

Monroe County is waking to a blanket of wet snow that continues to steadily fall. There is a winter storm warning in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service reports an additional 2 to 4 inches is possible throughout the day.

Tuesday announcements

Late opening for waste management

All locations of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management will open at 10 a.m. Jan 25.

City of Bloomington plans to continue operations as normal

The city of Bloomington issued the following advisory Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Warning for the Bloomington area beginning at 1 a.m. Wednesday. The latest weather forecasts show snow accumulation in Bloomington is expected to be in excess of 3-7 inches, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Higher totals are possible.

City crews will monitor conditions throughout the evening and overnight. Plowing will continue until the snow has stopped and the roadways have been cleared for safe travel.

Ice and snow make for hazardous travel conditions. Residents are advised to stay off the roads if possible. If you must travel, please drive safely. This includes driving slowly, maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of you, and accelerating and decelerating slowly.

At this time, city services and offices are expected to be operating on Wednesday, and there is no delay in sanitation pickup expected.

Lighthouse Christian Academy closed

Lighthouse Christian Academy schools will be closed Wednesday.

WonderLab opening late

WonderLab, at 308 W. Fourth St., will open 1-5 p.m. Wednesday.

National Weather Service Indianapolis: Latest weather predictions

The Bloomington area can expect 1 to 5 inches of snow, while some areas north of Interstate 70 may see more than 10 inches, according to a Tuesday afternoon briefing from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

David Beachler, science operations officer for the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, said people should avoid travel and stay off roads if they can because the heavy snowias expected to make travel treacherous.

Between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., snow will fall primarily north of I-70, while southern Indiana likely will see a mix of rain and snow, he said.

If people cannot avoid driving during this time, Beachler said they should allow for extra time and avoid risky driving behavior.

He also warned the weight of the snow also poses some danger for people who want to shovel their driveway and sidewalk. Shoveling heavy snow can put a big strain on your heart. Beachler said people should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and shovel only small amounts with each shovel pass.

'Avoid travel if you can': Wintry mix to make for difficult commute

"Try to pace yourself," he said. "The weight of the snow ... can really get you exhausted quick."

While the weight of the snow may strain some power lines and tree branches, Beachler said the weather service was not forecasting strong winds. That likely means the risk of power outages related to downed lines or the risk of damage/injuries from falling trees was low — though smaller limbs may still break off trees.

MCCSC is on eLearning

Monroe County Community School Corp. announced all schools would be on eLearning Wednesday.

Classes begin online at the regular time. Families may receive additional eLearning information from your school and/or teacher. All in-person programs, which include the Early Learning Center, Hoosier Hills Child Care, preschools and extended day will be closed Wednesday.

Monroe County Courthouse, other offices closed Wednesday

All Monroe County government offices will be closed Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington, Ellettsville road conditions, weather updates, closures