Heavy lake effect snow in Northwest Indiana is causing hazardous road conditions and near-whiteout conditions. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for both LaPorte and La Porte counties, with snow totals reaching as much as 32 inches in La Porte County alone.
The National Weather Service is warning people to postpone non-essential travel in these areas, as snow rates of 2 inches or more per hour, combined with 40 mph wind gusts, have created “dangerous to impossible travel conditions.”
In addition to LaPorte and La Porte counties, a winter storm warning has also been issued for Porter County, with the possibility of 6 more inches of snow overnight.
Interstate 94 in Michigan City was snow-packed and shut down on Friday, and plows worked to clear the Borman Expressway (I-80/94) in anticipation of more snowfall overnight.
Despite the hazardous conditions, many residents in Michigan City were enjoying the snowfall, taking time to play with their kids and make snowmen. Others spent hours clearing their driveways and refueling their snowblowers in order to deal with the heavy snowfall.
In the Chicago area, snow totals were less than in Northwest Indiana, but slick roads still impacted commuters. The city’s Streets and Sanitation Department deployed over 200 salt spreaders in response to the snow overnight, and drivers are being warned to allow the trucks extra space to clear the roads.
Overall, the heavy snowfall has led to dangerous driving conditions and significant travel disruptions in both Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area. Stay updated with plow tracker for real-time information.