Chicago, Illinois — A Winter Storm Warning is in effect Thursday morning for northeast Porter County in northwest Indiana, where lake-effect snow and strong winds are creating dangerous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the warning remains in effect until noon CST today for northeast Porter County, including Valparaiso, Portage, and Chesterton. Snowfall totals may exceed 8 inches near the Lake Michigan shoreline, while western portions of the county are expected to see significantly less accumulation.
Forecasters said northwest winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour are producing blowing and drifting snow, with visibilities dropping below one-quarter mile at times. Conditions are expected to be most hazardous during the Thursday morning commute, particularly near the Porter–La Porte County line and in open areas and along west-to-east roadways.
Roads are expected to remain snow-covered and slick through the morning, with rapidly changing conditions possible due to narrow lake-effect snow bands. The National Weather Service cautioned that visibility and road conditions may vary dramatically over short distances.
Travel is considered hazardous to dangerous in the warned area. Motorists are urged to delay travel if possible and to use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.
Drivers are advised to carry emergency supplies and check current road conditions at 511in.org before heading out. Officials emphasize that lake-effect snow can intensify suddenly, even when conditions appear manageable just miles away.
