Fort Wayne, IN – A powerful post-Thanksgiving winter storm is expected to blanket northern Indiana and northwest Ohio with significant snowfall this weekend, creating hazardous travel conditions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana, widespread snowfall will begin spreading from west to east Saturday morning, with the heaviest snow expected between 6 PM EST Saturday and 3 AM EST Sunday. Snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour at times, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
Forecast models show 6–12 inches of snow likely across much of northern Indiana, particularly along and north of U.S. 30, with locally higher totals exceeding a foot possible in areas such as Valparaiso, South Bend, and La Porte. Portions of northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, including Fort Wayne, Defiance, and Van Wert, may see 5–8 inches, though mixed precipitation could limit totals south of U.S. 24.
The NWS warns that travel could become treacherous along key highways including I-69, I-80/I-90, I-94, and U.S. 30, urging residents to consider postponing or avoiding travel during the height of the storm. Temperatures will hover near freezing overnight, increasing the risk of slick, icy roads and reduced visibility.
Lingering lake-effect snow is expected to continue Sunday, especially downwind of Lake Michigan.
