South Bend, Indiana – Drivers across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan could see travel conditions deteriorate quickly Monday morning as lake-effect snow bands develop and winds gust up to 45 mph, reducing visibility to near zero at times.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Northern Indiana and Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory begins at 8 a.m. Monday and remains in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday. Snow totals are expected to range from 2 to 5 inches, while strong northwest winds between 30 and 45 mph will blow and drift snow across roads.
The advisory covers northern Indiana counties including Elkhart, LaGrange, La Porte, and St. Joseph, where major routes such as Interstate 80/90 and U.S. 31 could become slick as bands intensify Monday afternoon. In southwest Michigan, the advisory includes Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, along with west-Michigan communities from Muskegon and Holland to Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
Blowing snow could sharply reduce visibility Monday evening, especially along open stretches of I-94, US-131, and lakeshore highways. Gusty winds may also snap small tree limbs and briefly knock out power in exposed areas.
Officials urge drivers to slow down, leave extra stopping distance, and check 511 road reports before heading out. Conditions may worsen during the Monday evening commute and early Tuesday morning travel window as lake-effect bands continue shifting inland.
Additional advisories or updates may be issued as the snow bands reorganize through Tuesday morning.
