Chicago, IL – A powerful lake-effect snow system is intensifying across parts of northwest Indiana and the Chicago metro area Friday, prompting multiple Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Storm Watches as hazardous travel conditions are expected through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Lake and Porter counties in Indiana from 3 p.m. Friday through 6 p.m. Saturday, with snow totals exceeding 6 inches and localized amounts up to 12 inches possible, especially near and north of U.S. Route 30.
Cities impacted in Indiana include Gary, Hammond, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Portage, and Merrillville. Officials warn that travel could become very difficult to nearly impossible at times, with near-whiteout conditions and snowfall rates reaching 2 inches per hour during the most intense bands Friday evening into Saturday morning.
Meanwhile in Illinois, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Central and Southern Cook County, including Chicago, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Cicero, La Grange, and Calumet City, through midnight Friday night. A Winter Storm Watch follows from late Friday night through Saturday morning as lake-effect snow bands may shift westward.
The NWS reports a brief lull in snowfall is possible Friday afternoon before another intense round of lake-effect snow redevelops, potentially lasting several hours overnight into Saturday.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. Conditions may change rapidly over short distances, with heavy snow in one area and dry pavement just miles away.
Residents who must travel should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles. Indiana road conditions are available at 511in.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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