The Western Wayne News is collecting information about weather-related closings and delays. Last updated Dec. 23 at 8:40 p.m.
Wayne County is under a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Saturday with blowing snow continuing and winds gusting as high as 55 mph. According to Wayne County Emergency Management Agency, areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will make travel very difficult to nearly impossible through Saturday. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Travel watches/warnings until further notice
Wayne County is at a Level II Watch as of 3 p.m. Dec. 23, meaning essential travel is permitted (to and from work and school, medical care, prescription medications, food, fuel, obtaining safe shelter and emergency vehicles/emergency workers). The snow emergency is in effect in Wayne County, the City of Richmond, and the Town of Centerville.
“With ice, heavy snow accumulations, and blowing and drifting snow, road conditions will deteriorate rapidly during the night,” the statement said.
This declaration does not include state or federal highways (examples- Interstate 70, U.S. 40, U.S. 35, U.S. 27, Indiana 38, Indiana 1, Indiana 227, Indiana 121).
Travel for non-essential purposes is prohibited. Violators may be fined up to $150.
Parking on all county roads and their right-of-way is prohibited. Vehicles found parked in violation of this order will be removed at the owner’s expense. Vehicles that are stalled, stranded, or found abandoned on county roads or their right-of-way also will be removed at the owner’s expense.
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office will maintain information on any vehicle towed or removed form a county road during this emergency. WCSO may be contacted at (765) 973-9393 for information concerning the disposition of any vehicle removed. The vehicle owner must pay any towing, storage or other fees before the vehicle may be released.
Questions may be directed to Wayne County Emergency Management Agency at (765) 973-9399 or ema@co.wayne.in.us.
Randolph County is under a red travel warning. According to the sheriff’s department, if you’re out driving, be cautious of vehicles stuck and abandoned on the roadway. Some vehicles are blocking both lanes. Two known areas are 500 East between Greenville Pike and 100 South; the other is on 350 East between 950 and 1000 South.
Union County is under a Level 3 warning.
Preble County (Ohio) is under a Level 2 snow emergency.
According to Sheriff Mike Simpson, “A level two snow emergency means that roadways are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. People
should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Obviously, if you are driving,
use extreme caution. Sustained winds are causing major issues with visibility across the county. Road crews continue their efforts on the roadways, but it is becoming increasingly challenging due to the high winds.”
Darke County (Ohio) Due to the significant blowing and drifting snow and near whiteout conditions that are expected to continue, and with the lack of county snowplows running in the rural areas of the county, Sheriff Mark Whittaker is issuing a Level 3 Snow Emergency for the unincorporated areas of Darke County at 7 p.m. Friday, and it will remain in effect overnight. roadways in the unincorporated areas should only be used by emergency personnel. No one should be driving during this condition unless it is absolutely necessary or a personal emergency exists. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.
The City of Greenville and Villages shall remain on a Level 2 Snow Advisory throughout the night as the streets can be used for travel if necessary.
CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES
Cambridge City First United Methodist Church has canceled its Christmas Eve service.
Golay Community Center is closed until 6 a.m. Monday.
Schools and non-profit organizations may send weather-related closings and delays to contact@westernwaynenews.com to be added to this list as staff time permits.