Heavy lake-effect snow and hazardous travel conditions are likely to begin early Wednesday morning across sections of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, according to an urgent statement from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Northern Indiana.
A Winter Storm Warning is in force from 7 a.m. EST Wednesday to 1 p.m. EST Thursday, with total snow accumulations expected between 6 and 8 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
The warning applies to Northern La Porte, Eastern, and Southern St. Joseph Counties in Indiana, as well as Northern and Southern Berrien Counties in Michigan.
Along with the heavy snowfall, northwest winds could gust up to 40 mph, substantially decreasing visibility and causing whiteout conditions in some locations.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service warned locals and travelers alike:
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” said a spokesperson from NWS Northern Indiana.
“Whiteout conditions are likely and will make travel treacherous.”
The lake-effect snow bands, noted for their unpredictability and ferocity, will provide very varying conditions over short distances. “The weather can shift from heavy snow to dry skies just a few miles apart,” the NWS warned, encouraging the public to be ready for sudden changes in visibility and traffic conditions.
Local authorities advise the people to avoid needless travel during the storm. Emergency management teams from across the region are already coordinating response actions, including road maintenance, emergency shelter availability, and public safety advisories.
Residents in affected areas should regularly check local predictions at weather.gov or call 511 for the most up-to-date information on road conditions. The NWS also underlined the necessity of preparation, particularly for motorists, warning people to carry emergency kits and proceed with extreme caution if travel is absolutely required.
As winter tightens its hold on the Midwest, the NWS and emergency officials urge vigilance, patience, and preparedness in the coming 36 hours.