South Bend, Indiana – A potentially high-impact winter storm is setting up along the Indiana–Michigan border, where lake-effect snow could pile up rapidly from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening, creating dangerous travel conditions and near-whiteout visibility at times.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday through 7 p.m. Thursday for areas near Lake Michigan, including South Bend, La Porte, Valparaiso, and communities just across the state line into southwest Michigan. Snow is expected to begin as lighter system snow Wednesday morning before intensifying into powerful lake-effect bands by Wednesday afternoon.
Forecasters say snowfall rates will increase significantly Wednesday night, with the most intense snow falling late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Total accumulations of 4 to 9 inches are likely, with localized totals approaching or exceeding a foot possible where persistent snow bands set up near the Indiana–Michigan border. Northwest wind gusts near 35 mph could lead to blowing and drifting snow, especially along open roadways and near the lakeshore.
Travel could become extremely hazardous along major routes including Interstate 94, Interstate 90, U.S. 31, and State Road 12. Visibility may drop from clear to near zero in minutes as snow squalls move through, making the Thursday morning commute particularly dangerous.
Wind chills are expected to fall near zero early Thursday, increasing the risk for anyone stranded or working outdoors. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, carry winter emergency kits, and allow significant extra time if travel cannot be delayed.
Snow may briefly ease later Thursday before additional lake-effect rounds develop heading into late week. Officials warn this is a prolonged winter pattern, not a quick-hitting storm. Watches may be upgraded to warnings as confidence increases, and residents along the Michigan–Indiana border should prepare now for potentially severe winter conditions.
