Here is a portion of the exchange between Rep. André Carson (d-7th District) and local businessman Gerry Mann at the conclusion of the Downtown Rotary Club meeting today:

The storm has weakened, and is moving out of Greene County, so the National Weather Service has cancelled.

After some patchy frost this morning, afternoon numbers look to be in good shape.  Expect highs in the upper 50’s to low 60’s.

A reminder that today is much better than tomorrow for outdoor activities.  We still have a slight risk of severe weather tomorrow from Indy  to areas southward.

A LEVEL I TRAVEL WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR WAYNE COUNTY ROADWAYS AND THE CITY OF RICHMOND STREETS AND THE TOWN OF CENTERVILLE ROADS DUE TO HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AND BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW ON ROADWAYS.

This WARNING has been issued to warn those who must travel on Wayne County roadways and City Streets to use extreme caution due to heavy snow accumulations and possible blowing and drifting snow. Roadways are becoming slick and hazardous. All county roads and Richmond and Centerville streets are snow covered and hazardous. If you do not have to travel, please stay where you are during this warning.

If you must travel, use main roads whenever possible and travel at reduced speed. Expect to encounter slick and hazardous roadways and heavy snow accumulations on roadways.

This WARNING takes effect immediately at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 and will expire on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 12 Noon. This Warning applies to all roads maintained by Wayne County Highway Department and the City of Richmond Street Department and the Town of Centerville Street Department.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving while this WARNING is in effect. Motorists should travel at a reduced speed and remain alert for roadway obstructions and changing roads conditions.

A LEVEL I TRAVEL WARNING DOES NOT IMPOSE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL ON COUNTY ROADWAYS. MOTORISTS MAY TRAVEL AT THEIR OWN RISK.

The City of Anderson has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency—Travel Warning (description follows)

LEVEL 2: Travel Warning: Roadways are slick and hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.  Motorists should use extreme caution and are encouraged to travel only as necessary to and from work, in a medical emergency, or to obtain home necessities.

Please broadcast to the public through your usual channels.

Troopers in the Connersville District are currently working a series of crashes and slide offs on I-70 in Henry County from the 115 mile marker to the 129 mile marker including a four vehicle crash between the 125 and 126 mile marker which involves no injuries. Eastbound I-70 is shut down at this location due to a semi partially blocking the roadway.

Motorists should find an alternate route due to heavy snow and ice and low visibility on I-70 through Henry County. Motorists may exit at the Knightstown SR 109 exit and go south to US 40 or exit at SR 3 at the 123 mile marker and go south to US 40. The Semi will have to be removed to reopen I-70 east bound. I will send out another bulletin as soon as the roadway is reopened.

The Connersville District continues to receive heavy snowfall.  Troopers are working on numerous slide offs on I-70 between the 115 mile marker, (Knightstown Exit) and the 125 mile marker just east of the New Castle exit(123 mile marker.)  Due to the heavy snowfall, and near whiteout conditions at times, troopers are transporting drivers to safety and leaving their vehicles in the median until they can be towed out safely.

Secondary roads throughout the six county district remain snow covered slick and hazardous.

At least two people are dead according to the Indiana State Police after a multi-vehicle pileup on Interstate 69 near mile marker 8. That is just south of the SR 238 exit near the Verizon Wireless Music Center.

According to Ron Lipps of the Fishers Fire Department, at least 15 vehicles were involved in the accident, including a Fishers Fire Truck. Several people had to be extracted from their vehicles. It is not yet known how many more were injured.

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We have received a steady snowfall since early this morning. Current road conditions within the Seymour District of the Indiana State Police, which includes Jackson, Jennings, and Bartholomew Counties, are as follows:

• I-65, U.S. 50 and State Highways and Secondary roads (county roads) are all snow covered and slick. Visibility has become an issue for short periods of time.
• Troopers have been busy most of the morning investigating crashes and slide-offs up and down I-65 from the 80 mile marker in Bartholomew County to the 36 mile marker in Jackson County. Troopers are assisting wreckers and motorist in removing their vehicles that have become stuck in the median or on embankments. Motorists are cautioned that there may be lane restrictions at various locations, and should be prepared for sudden speed reductions or stops. As soon as one car is getting pulled out troopers are being sent to another location to investigate another vehicle off the road.

ISP is reporting that Interstate 70 westbound is closed at SR 9. Traffic is being detoured to U.S. 40.