Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, January 7, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Governor Mike Pence says the state’s residents need to stay vigilant for the next day because of dangers posed by the severe wind chill.
Pence said during a Statehouse news conference Monday that freezing temperatures and deep snow represent "real peril" across much of Indiana.
Pence says anyone who can stay inside their homes should do so all day.
The governor says state highway crews are working to reopen roads but that conditions will remain dangerous through Tuesday. One person died in a weather-related crash in Henry County.
Wind chills have reached about 40 degrees below zero in the state's northern half with wind gusts more than 30 mph.
Pence said he would sign an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 27 Indiana counties this afternoon, with more to be added as needed.
The state has 840 plows on roads statewide. The National Guard is also assisting. Gen. Martin Umbarger says the Guard activated 12 armories and teams, and two Humvees were dispatched for road assistance.
As of noon, INDOT reported 22 road closures. Crews are working 12-hour shifts to widen the clearance on roads. Drivers are warned that barricades on major corridors need to be obeyed.
Indiana State Police have received over 2,000 calls for service since the snowfall began, with 300 troopers on duty.
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