Thu Jan 15 09:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Winter Storm Grips Northern Indiana: Travel Advisories Issued for Nine Counties
The Story: A winter storm has prompted travel advisories across northern Indiana. As of January 16, 2026, four counties are under a “Travel Watch” (Orange) and five under a “Travel Advisory” (Yellow). This indicates hazardous conditions affecting travel and daily activities. The affected counties are closely monitoring the situation, with updates provided through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Residents are urged to exercise caution and limit travel to essential purposes only in areas under a travel watch.
Key Points:
- Four counties (LaPorte, Marshall, St. Joseph, Starke) are under a “Travel Watch” (Orange), meaning conditions are threatening to public safety, and only essential travel is recommended.
- Five counties (Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Pulaski) are under a “Travel Advisory” (Yellow), the lowest level, indicating routine travel may be restricted due to hazardous conditions.
- Travel status information is provided by each county’s emergency management agency and updated on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website.
- Michigan lacks a similar statewide website, but major road closures are accessible via a provided link.
- WNDU is providing ongoing coverage via on-air broadcasts, online articles, and their mobile app.
Key Takeaways:
- A significant winter storm is impacting travel across northern Indiana.
- The tiered advisory system allows for localized responses based on the severity of conditions.
- Residents should stay informed through official sources and local news outlets like WNDU.
- Preparedness is crucial; businesses and organizations should implement emergency action plans in counties under a “Travel Watch”.
- The lack of a centralized website in Michigan highlights a disparity in information dissemination compared to Indiana.
First Piper 