County remains under level 1 weather emergency
GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County in now under a level 1 weather emergency.
A level one emergency restricts travel to emergency personnel only.
Putnam County emergnency management director Kim Hyten confirmed the level 1 warning remained in effect as of 7:30 Wednesday morning. This runs contrary to erroneous information from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's website and in the Indianapolis news media, which still puts Putnam County under a level 2 emergency.
The level 1 warning went into effect at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
"The roads are definitely treacherous as far as I'm concerned," Hyten said. "Even the state roads are treacherous."
While this declaration only applies to county roads, officials in both Greencastle and Cloverdale have recommended that citizens in town abide by the same restrictions.
"If you're out of something at home and it's not essential, do not worry about it," Hyten said.
The Putnam County Courthouse, Courthouse Annex and Greencastle City Hall will be closed Wednesday.
South Putnam, Cloverdale schools, North Putnam, Greencastle schools and Area 30 Career Center are closed Wednesday. Additionally, Ivy Tech is closed Wednesday and DePauw remains closed until 7 a.m. Thursday.
In addition to the closures, the county now has two emergency shelters for residents without power.
The American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at South Putnam High School. Those seeking shelter at the school should bring their own bedding, clothing, toiletries, medicine and any special dietary needs.
Water and snacks will be provided Tuesday night at the school, and the Red Cross is contacting local churches to inquire about providing breakfast on Wednesday.
Additionally, the National Guard Armory in Greencastle is also available as a temporary shelter. They will take walk-ins and can also assist in coming to get those who need transportation.
As a temporary shelter, the armory will provide shelter until the weather breaks, at which time residents will be transported to an emergency facility such as the shelter at South Putnam or somewhere nearby.
Hyten said that while roads are restricted for emergency use only, citizens seeking emergency shelter could proceed with caution.