See dinosaurs sporting warm hats in Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is known for dressing up its dinosaurs. This time they are decked out in new hats ahead of the first snow.
Hoosiers headed off to work this morning may want to check their local road conditions first.
42 Indiana counties are under a travel advisory, and two more have issued a travel watch for Friday, Dec. 12, after the latest round of snow, which led to school delays and cancellations.
Here’s how drivers can see what Indiana counties have issued travel advisories, and check current road conditions.
What Indiana counties have travel advisories today, Dec. 12, 2025? How to check road conditions on Indiana’s highways
42 Indiana counties are under a travel advisory and 2 counties are under a travel watch as of 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security keeps tabs on road conditions thanks to its online travel advisory map for every county in the state.
If your county is shaded green on the map, routine travel is expected to proceed normally. Orange means local travel conditions are under a “watch,” in which road conditions are a threat to public safety and travel should be limited. A county shaded in red means travel might be restricted altogether.
“Yellow” indicates a travel advisory is in effect.
A travel advisory is the lowest level of local travel advisory.
“Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas,” according IN.gov.
A travel watch means that conditions are threatening to the public so only essential travel is recommended. A travel warning means that unless you are in emergency management, you are recommended to be off the roads.
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works also shares updates about Marion County road conditions on their X page.
You can also check the NWS Indianapolis page on X, formerly Twitter, for updates about the weather.
Live Indianapolis, Indiana weather radar
Is there snow on the ground? How to see if your Indianapolis street has been plowed
Driving in Indianapolis? Check out this live traffic map, per Waze
Drivers can use a free live traffic map from Waze to navigate Indianapolis. The navigation app from Waze provides traffic updates, road condition information and offers directions.
Safe driving tips for snow and ice
Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can depend largely on how well you’re prepared. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips:
- Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, “Ice and Snow, Take it Slow,” or just don’t go.
- Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
- Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
- Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
- Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, and road flares.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
