SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The first major winter blast of the season is hammering northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, with heavy lake-effect snow expected to pile up through Monday evening. Thick, wind-driven flakes are already streaking across the sky near La Porte and Michigan City as Arctic air rushes over warmer Lake Michigan waters.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday for Starke, Marshall, La Porte, and St. Joseph Counties in Indiana, and Berrien County in Michigan. Forecasters expect 5 to 11 inches of total snow, with locally higher drifts under intense lake bands. Winds could gust up to 30 mph, creating whiteout conditions at times.
Travelers on I-94, I-90, and U.S. 31 should brace for rapidly changing road conditions. Snowfall intensity may vary sharply from town to town, with plows struggling to keep up in heavier bursts. Drivers are urged to delay nonessential travel, carry emergency kits, and use headlights even during daylight hours.
The snow will continue through much of Monday before tapering off by evening. Bitter cold lingers into Tuesday, keeping slick spots on untreated roads and parking lots. This marks the official start of lake-effect season, a reminder that winter across the Great Lakes can arrive suddenly — and with force.
