by Northern Indiana – Parts of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan are expected to see significant lake-effect snowfall from Wednesday into Thursday, with some areas potentially receiving more than six inches of snow as winter weather intensifies across the region.
Winter Storm Warning Issued for La Porte and Berrien Counties
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. ET Wednesday until 1 p.m. ET Thursday for La Porte County and Berrien County, according to regional weather officials. Forecasters say prolonged lake-effect snow bands could lead to hazardous travel conditions, reduced visibility, and rapid accumulations.
Meteorologists warn that snowfall rates could be heavy at times, particularly Wednesday afternoon and evening, when lake-effect bands are expected to intensify.
Winter Weather Advisories Cover Additional Areas
A Winter Weather Advisory is in place from 8 a.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. Thursday for Porter County, where two to five inches of snow are possible.
Another advisory runs from 7 a.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday for Starke County, as lighter but persistent snowfall could still impact roads and travel.
Heaviest Snow Expected Wednesday Afternoon and Night
Bands of heavy lake-effect snow are expected to develop Wednesday afternoon and continue through Wednesday night into Thursday morning before gradually tapering off later Thursday.
ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Tracy Butler said areas in Porter County could see two to five inches, while parts of La Porte County and Berrien County may receive more than six inches of snow, depending on how long the snow bands remain stationary. Her forecast was shared during coverage by ABC7 Chicago.
Chicago Area Sees Lighter Accumulations
Snow bands also moved into the Illinois portion of the Chicago area early Wednesday morning. Butler said light accumulations of less than one inch are possible across much of the metro area as the strongest lake-effect bands remain focused farther east.
Travel Impacts Reported at O’Hare
Winter conditions began affecting travel early Wednesday, prompting a ground stop for arriving flights at O’Hare International Airport. Airport officials cited weather-related delays as snow moved through the region during the morning hours.
Drivers across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan are urged to use caution, especially during periods of heavy snowfall, as road conditions could deteriorate quickly through Thursday morning.
