FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Many counties across the state have upgraded their travel advisories to watch and warning statuses, but what does that mean?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, travel status information is provided by each county’s emergency management agency. As counties initiate official travel advisories and notify the state, this DHS: Travel Advisory Map automatically updates with that information.
Warning
A ‘warning’ is the highest level of a local travel advisory. A warning means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a “warning” local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:
- Refrain from all travel;
- Comply with necessary emergency measures;
- Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
- Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
Exceptions to the warning travel advisory are found in Indiana Code 10-14-3-29.
Knox County, Indiana was upgraded to ‘Warning’ or red status as of Monday morning and at the time this article was written.
Watch
A ‘watch’ or orange travel advisory means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergencies, is recommended. During a ‘watch’ advisory, DHS suggests implementing emergency action plans by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.
As of Monday morning, Clarke, Clay, Daviess, Greene, Martin, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vigo, and Vermillion counties all were under the ‘Watch Travel Advisory.’
Advisory
Advisory is the lowest level of a local travel advisory. It means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. Individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.
Normal status appears in green on the travel advisory map. Counties that are not reporting are shaded gray.
