South Bend, Indiana – Hazardous winter travel is continuing across northern Indiana as lake effect snow and strong winds combine to create slick roads and reduced visibility around South Bend through tonight and into early Tuesday. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution, especially on north–south roadways where blowing and drifting snow is most severe.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana office, an additional 1 to 4 inches of lake effect snow is expected through tonight, with the highest amounts falling across southwest Michigan and spilling into parts of St. Joseph County. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are causing snow to drift back over treated roads, while bitter cold air is driving wind chill values down to between 15 and 20 degrees below zero through Tuesday morning. Winter Weather and Cold Weather Advisories remain in effect.
Major routes including U.S. 31, State Road 23, U.S. 20, and the Indiana Toll Road are especially vulnerable to sudden whiteouts and slick patches. Visibility can drop quickly in open areas, and bridges and overpasses are likely to refreeze overnight as temperatures fall into the single digits. Officials warn that even short trips could become dangerous if conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Lake effect snow is expected to taper off Tuesday morning, but cold and windy conditions will linger. Drivers should delay non-essential travel, dress for extreme cold, and monitor updates closely, as hazardous conditions may persist longer in areas prone to drifting snow.
