A winter storm warning has been issued for several northwest Indiana counties, where heavy lake effect snow could cause massive problems Friday morning and evening.
According to the National Weather Service, a watch will go into effect in Porter County at midnight Friday, while a separate watch will go into effect in LaPorte County and several other areas of the state starting at 9 PM Central Time on Thursday.
According to officials, parts of Porter County could see eight or more inches of snow as winds shift from Lake Michigan, with the highest accumulations concentrated near the lake.
Snowfall rates are likely to exceed two inches per hour in some areas, along with wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour, which may cause significant snow blowing and blowing.
Officials said Friday morning and evening commutes could be affected by the weather system.
In LaPorte County, six inches or more of snow is possible across the region, but northern parts of the county may eventually end up seeing a foot or more of accumulation depending on the severity of the snow bands as they develop across the region.
Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible, along with gusty winds, and both roads could be affected Friday by the system.
The National Weather Service warned that travel may be “difficult to impossible” in affected areas, and urged residents to use extreme caution if they try to drive.
Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for the latest weather news and information.
