Indiana Counties in the Red (Travel Warnings) as of Late January 2026 Recent winter storms have prompted the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to issue travel advisories across the state. Counties shown in red on the IDHS map indicate the highest alert level—travel warnings—meaning roads are hazardous, and only emergency or essential travel is advised due to severe conditions like snow, ice, or crashes.

This system helps drivers stay safe: green means all clear, orange signals a travel watch (limit trips), yellow is advisory (use caution), and red demands avoidance unless absolutely necessary. As of January 26-27, 2026, roughly 21 of Indiana's 92 counties hit red status late Monday night, with updates ongoing Tuesday morning.

Current Red Counties (Travel Warnings)

While exact lists evolve hourly with local emergency reports, recent reports highlight these patterns:

  • Southern Indiana focus : Many counties south of Indianapolis remain red, including parts of the Indy metro's southern edge where travel is "emergency only."
  • Key examples from updates :

County Area| Status Details| Last Reported
---|---|---
South Indianapolis Metro Counties| Red – Emergency travel only| Jan 26, 6 a.m. 7
Statewide (21 total)| Red warnings at 10 p.m. Jan 26| IDHS data 1
Marion County (partial)| Shifted to watch/advisory, but monitor| Jan 24 update 9

Sources note about 7,000 Indianapolis-area incidents tied to weather, pushing more counties toward red.

Why "Red" Matters Now

Picture this: a massive winter storm hit January 24-25, blanketing roads in ice and snow, leading to widespread advisories by January 26. Indiana's system empowers local emergency managers to color-code counties in real-time via the official map—no guesswork needed. Trending discussions on social media (like Instagram and Facebook) buzz with drivers sharing crash photos and urging folks to #StayHome.

TL;DR at bottom: 21 counties in red as of Jan 26 evening; check IDHS map for live list—southern areas hit hardest.

How to Check Latest Updates

  1. Visit the official IN.gov travel advisory map for color-coded, county-by-county views (updates from local agencies).
  1. Follow news outlets like WISH-TV or WTHR for breakdowns—e.g., "county-by-county look as of 6 a.m. Tuesday."
  1. Use apps like IndyStar's road conditions tool for real-time snow plows and hazards.

From multiple viewpoints: Locals on forums gripe about slushy interstates, while officials stress preparation (chains, kits). Speculation? More could turn red if storms linger into January 27, but clearing crews are active.

Bottom Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.