Crown Point, IN – A significant winter storm is set to hit Lake and Porter counties early Saturday, with heavy snow expected to build before daybreak and continue through early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago, a Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from 3 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, with 6 to 10 inches of snow forecast across northwest Indiana. Snow will begin moving into the region shortly after 3 a.m., becoming heaviest between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday as the core of the system passes over the area.
NWS forecasters say snowfall rates may reach 1 inch per hour at times, especially in areas closer to the Illinois line. Lake-enhanced snow is also possible late Saturday into Saturday night, which could push totals toward the higher end of the forecast—especially near Hammond, Gary, Merrillville, Valparaiso, and Chesterton.
Travel impacts are expected from early Saturday morning and may worsen through the afternoon as snow accumulation deepens and visibility lowers. According to NWS, roads could become difficult or dangerous, particularly on I-80/94, I-65, US-30, and the Indiana Toll Road during peak snowfall.
Conditions should slowly improve after midnight Saturday, with lighter snow lingering until around 6 a.m. Sunday before tapering off.
Residents planning to travel this weekend are urged to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including food, water, and a flashlight. Indiana road conditions can be monitored at 511in.org.
