Heavy Lake-Effect Snow Band Moves Into Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana With Near-Whiteout Travel Conditions Early Today

UNITED STATES — Forecasters are actively tracking a heavy lake-effect snow band pushing off the shores of Lake Michigan and moving inland across Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana, creating hazardous travel conditions during the early morning hours.

Radar imagery shows the snow band extending from the lakeshore near Benton Harbor, Michigan, southward through South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana, and into portions of Northwest Indiana, including areas near Gary and Valparaiso.

Snowfall Rates Reaching Up to 1 Inch Per Hour

According to current radar analysis, snowfall rates within the most intense portions of the band are reaching:

• 0.5 inches per hour
• Up to 1 inch per hour at times

These rates are capable of rapidly covering roads and reducing visibility in a very short amount of time, especially under lake-effect conditions where snow intensity can fluctuate sharply over short distances.

Visibility Drops to One Mile or Less

Forecasters warn that visibility may drop to one mile or less within the heaviest snowfall, particularly along and just inland from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The most impacted travel corridors include areas around:

• Benton Harbor, Michigan
• South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana
• Valparaiso and Gary, Indiana
• Nearby stretches of Interstate 94 and surrounding local roadways

Sudden bursts of heavy snow may lead to rapidly changing driving conditions.

Lake Michigan Fueling the Snow Band

The snow band is being driven by cold air moving across the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan, allowing moisture to organize into a narrow but intense corridor of snowfall.

As the band shifts inland, communities just a few miles apart may experience dramatically different conditions, ranging from light snow to near-whiteout visibility.

Travel Advisory for the Morning Commute

Drivers across Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana are urged to use extra caution this morning, as:

• Road conditions can deteriorate quickly
• Snow-covered and slick pavement may develop with little warning
• Heavier snow bands may stall or wobble, prolonging impacts in some locations

Motorists should allow extra travel time and be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility.

What to Watch Next

Forecasters will continue monitoring the exact placement and movement of the lake-effect band, as minor wind shifts could cause it to:

• Intensify further
• Shift north or south
• Linger longer over certain communities

WaldronNews.com will provide updates as conditions evolve across Michigan and Indiana and as the lake-effect snow threat changes through the morning hours.