Valparaiso, Indiana – Drivers across northwest Indiana should expect snow-covered highways and reduced visibility along I-94 and I-80 through 6 p.m. Monday as lake effect bands continue to drop several inches of accumulation during the morning and afternoon commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the heaviest impacts will focus on northern and eastern Porter County, where an additional 2 to 4 inches of lake effect snow may fall before activity tapers later today. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for Porter County. Wind gusts up to 40 mph near the Lake Michigan shoreline are creating blowing and drifting snow, especially in open areas.
Across northwest Indiana, travel conditions will vary sharply over short distances. In Valparaiso, Portage and Chesterton, bursts of moderate snow may quickly coat I-94, while stretches of I-90 near Gary and the Indiana Toll Road could see sudden drops in visibility under heavier bands. U.S. 20 and State Road 49 may also become slick as pavement temperatures remain below freezing.
The Indiana Department of Transportation urges drivers to slow down, increase following distance and check 511 travel updates before heading out. Plow crews continue treating priority routes, but drifting snow could redevelop even after roads are cleared.
Lake effect intensity should ease by early evening, though patchy slick spots may persist after sunset as temperatures remain in the 20s. Additional statements may be issued if snowfall rates increase or bands shift inland before conditions improve later tonight.
