Chicago, IL – A powerful winter system is set to hammer the Great Lakes region late Sunday into Monday, bringing blizzard-like conditions, howling winds, and heavy lake-effect snow with rates of up to 2 inches per hour near Lake Michigan.
According to the US National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Watch stretches from northern Indiana into southwest Michigan, where total snow accumulations of 6–12 inches — and locally higher totals — are possible.
Rain will develop Sunday afternoon before quickly changing to heavy, wind-driven snow overnight. Forecasters warn that the most intense conditions will hit after midnight through early Monday, with whiteout visibility, snow-covered roads, and dangerous travel conditions across areas including South Bend, La Porte, Michigan City, Benton Harbor, and Kalamazoo.
Wind gusts up to 35 mph combined with heavy snowfall could create near-blizzard conditions, particularly in open and lakeshore areas. The Monday morning commute is expected to be severely impacted, with travel delays likely on major routes including I-94, I-90, and US-31.
Meteorologists say this may be the first major winter storm of the season for the central Great Lakes, ushering in a stretch of colder air through midweek.
Residents are urged to prepare now, check local forecasts frequently, and avoid unnecessary travel once the snow begins. Updates are available at weather.gov/iwx.
