Indianapolis issues travel warning, driving prohibited

INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Greg Ballard has upgraded the city’s travel emergency level to red.  This represents the highest level making it illegal for anyone to drive except for emergency personnel, emergency purposes or seeking shelter.  The Mayor intends to re-evaluate the situation at noon and provide further updates shortly thereafter. The last time the City of Indianapolis issued a travel warning was during the 1978 blizzard.

“Today’s heavy snow and the rapidly falling temperatures make it unsafe for anyone to drive in Marion County,” said Mayor Ballard.

>>CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAVEL ADVISORY IN YOUR COUNTY<<

The extreme cold and Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) forecast of prolonged power outages also prompted the Mayor to open emergency shelter locations at 17 Indy Parks as quickly as possible and the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) for residents to call if they need assistance reaching a shelter.

“IPL says people who have lost power should not expect it to be restored in the next 24 to 48 hours.  People without a safe alternative source of heat need to seek alternative shelter with a friend, family member, neighbor or make your way to one of our City shelter facilities,” said Mayor Ballard.

Meteorologists expect the temperature to begin quickly dropping in Indy reaching lows around -17 tomorrow.  Below zero temperatures are forecast through Wednesday.

Indy residents who cannot secure transportation to a shelter location should call the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) at 327-4MAC to arrange for transportation.

People can also call the below organizations for assistance during the storm, if necessary:

Animal Care and Control: 317-327-1388

IMPD Non-Emergency: 317-327-3811

Marion County Emergency Operations Center: 317-487-6229
Indianapolis Fire Department: Call 911

Below is a list of the current status of emergency shelter locations.

Via Mayor Ballard’s Office press release