Monroe County issues travel warning; courts, county offices to close Monday as storm and extreme cold continue

Staff report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — January 25, 2026

Monroe County officials raised the county’s travel status to a “Warning” on Sunday, directing residents to refrain from travel except for essential purposes as heavy snow and dangerous cold grip south-central Indiana.

County leaders also announced that Monroe County courts and county government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, including the courts and the prosecutor’s office, due to severe winter weather and extremely cold temperatures. Emergency services and 24/7 operations such as the Monroe County Jail are expected to continue normal operations, according to the county alert.

The National Weather Service said a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Monroe County until 7 a.m. Monday, with storm totals of 9 to 13 inches possible in parts of south-central Indiana. Forecasters also warned of dangerous wind chills into early this week, with a Cold Weather Advisory indicating wind chills could drop as low as 20 below zero at times.

Bloomington sanitation delays expected to last multiple days

In Bloomington, city officials said sanitation services will be delayed beginning Monday, Jan. 26, and a resumption date has not been determined. With continued snowfall, drifting and sub-zero wind chills possible, the city said delays could extend for several days and it is possible no pickups occur this week, depending on conditions.

The city asked residents to keep carts off the street until further notice and not to place extra materials curbside while crews prioritize safety and winter response.

Bloomington Transit suspends service Sunday; Monday decision pending

Bloomington Transit suspended all services Sunday, Jan. 25, citing hazardous winter conditions. The agency said it would decide Sunday night whether service will operate Monday and advised riders to monitor updates through the ETA Spot app and Bloomington Transit communications.

Federal response: emergency declaration covers all Indiana counties

At the federal level, FEMA said President Donald J. Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana tied to the severe winter storm that began Friday, Jan. 23, authorizing FEMA to coordinate emergency protective measures and other direct federal assistance. FEMA said assistance under the Public Assistance program would be funded at 75% federal cost share, and named Hannah Penn as the federal coordinating officer.

What residents should do

• Avoid travel while the county travel warning is in effect and follow directions from public safety officials.
• If you must travel, the National Weather Service recommends carrying emergency supplies; Indiana road conditions are available via 511.
• Keep sanitation carts off streets in Bloomington until the city announces service schedules will resume.
• Check Bloomington Transit’s updates before planning rides as service decisions may change quickly.

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Currently 11° · Snow – Sunday, January 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

Bloomington, IN, United States

SUNDAY: Today	15°-6°	Frigid with snow, accumulating 12-20 cm; storm total snowfall 10-15 cm; streets and sidewalks will be slippery
MONDAY: Monday	4°-4°	Very cold with times of clouds and sun; extreme cold can be dangerous for outdoor activities
TUESDAY: Tuesday	16°-10°	Breezy in the morning; otherwise, frigid with partial sunshine; extreme cold can be dangerous for outdoor activities

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