South Bend, Indiana – A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, where heavy lake-effect snow and near-whiteout conditions are expected from Wednesday morning through early Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, the warning is in effect from 7 a.m. EST Wednesday until 1 p.m. EST Thursday for La Porte and St. Joseph counties in Indiana, along with Berrien County in southwest Michigan. The alert was upgraded from a winter storm watch Tuesday afternoon as confidence increased in significant impacts.
Forecasters expect 6 to 8 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible under persistent lake-effect snow bands. Strong northwest winds gusting up to 40 mph are expected to combine with heavy snowfall, producing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
The National Weather Service warns that whiteout conditions are likely at times, making travel extremely dangerous. Roads are expected to become slick and hazardous, with the most significant impacts anticipated during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Visibility may drop to near zero in heavier snow bands, especially near Lake Michigan and along major travel corridors.
Officials strongly advise residents to delay travel if possible. For those who must travel, motorists are urged to carry emergency supplies, including food, water, and a flashlight, and to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. During lake-effect events, conditions can vary dramatically over short distances, with heavy snow falling just miles from clear areas.
This storm poses a heightened risk for commuters, commercial drivers, students, and emergency responders, particularly in areas repeatedly impacted by snow bands.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and road conditions by calling 511 before traveling. Additional warnings or extensions are possible if snow bands persist longer than expected.
