INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Officials in Shelby and Rush counties loosened local travel restrictions late Tuesday morning after road conditions improved. Both counties started the day under a travel warning — the highest level of local travel advisory — because the snowy, slick roads were considered to dangerous for all but emergency management workers. By 11 a.m., the travel warning for both counties had been downgraded to a watch (orange), meaning that only essential travel — such as to and from work or in emergency situations — is recommended, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Much of central Indiana remains under a travel watch, while Marion, Hendricks, and Hancock counties are under a travel advisory (yellow). Routine travel or activities may be restricted and drivers should use caution. City streets may be covered but passable, while outlying areas may be more difficult to navigate. Indianapolis residents can check the Indy Snow Force Viewer to see the status of road clearing operations in their area. Check the WISH-TV traffic map to stay up-to-date on the latest road conditions.