South Bend, IN – Drivers across southwest Lower Michigan and northern Indiana face hazardous travel today as lake-effect snow bands continue to redevelop and intensify, producing slick roads and rapidly changing visibility. The National Weather Service reports that widespread snow has ended, but lake-effect snow will persist through this evening, keeping travel conditions dangerous along several major highway routes near Lake Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 7 p.m. EST for areas including Benton Harbor, South Haven, South Bend, La Porte, Niles, and surrounding communities. Snowfall rates may reach 1 inch per hour, with visibility occasionally dropping to one-quarter mile in the most persistent bands.
Additional accumulations of 1–5 inches are expected by tonight, with totals varying sharply over short distances due to the nature of lake-effect snow. The highest amounts are expected in southwest Lower Michigan and far northern Indiana.
Travel impacts may briefly improve at times before deteriorating again, especially along I-94, US-31, US-12, and the I-80/I-90 corridors, where blowing and drifting snow will continue. Conditions may extend as far south as US-30 and east toward I-69, creating patchy slick spots outside the primary snow belt.
Forecasters say conditions may improve overnight into Monday morning before deteriorating again Monday evening as another round of snow moves into the region.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavier bursts of snow.
