Early Friday morning freezing rain began falling around the Kentuckiana area, closing many area schools and businesses.

By Noon, large flakes of snow began falling rapidly, accumulating up to five inches in many areas by 5p.

Several wrecks and slide-offs had occurred around the area, resulting in injuries, forcing authorities to make a decision on driving conditions around the state.

As a result by afternoon, Washington County Sheriff Claude Combs issued a state of emergency and warned motorists to stay home.

That travel advisory is still in effect.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has named two other counties in Indiana with severe travel advisories — Floyd and Orange Counties.

Last night, Crawford County was designated as closed.

City, State and County road crews worked over night as the storm gave a reprieve.

Overnight, WSLM officially recorded 8 inches of snow.

Many city streets and state roads are clear, but could be slick in spots.

Some county roads in Washington County have been cleared — again there are slick spots so drivers should proceed with caution once the Emergency Management Office and Sheriff give the all-clear.

According to Sheriff Claude Combs, Washington County is entering a STATE OF EMERGENCY on roads.

Travel may be restricted to Emergency Management personnel.

Individuals are directed to refrain from all travel.

“Stay off the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Combs. “Roads are getting bad. Expecting four inches of snow in the next six hours. Temperatures could drop to 17 degrees. People need to get home and stay in. Wind chills could be below zero. It’s a pretty dangerous situation.”

Sheriff’s Department has been transporting patients who need medication and also need dialysis since early this morning.

Call 911 if you have an emergency and need help.