The following statement was issued by LaPorte County Sheriff’s Captain Michael Kellems   regarding the continued heavy snowfall and deteriorating travel conditions on Sunday, Dec. 31:

“6 p.m.: Over the past two and a half hours, LaPorte County has been receiving very heavy lake effect snow. It appears that the band coming off of Lake Michigan has been directly impacting our area. We have heard reports of 9″ of accumulation this afternoon.

Sheriff’s deputies have responded to numerous slide-offs and minor crashes, mostly in an area north of LaPorte to the Michigan State Line. Central LaPorte County has seen the heavy snowfall as well.

In checking with a local meteorologist we have learned that the snow band is slowly moving east and should out of our area by 6:00 PM (CST).

There will be strong winds coming later which will making drifting a major concern, particularly of north / south roads.

We are asking for people to stay off of the roads and advising against travel. If you do  to need to travel, please don’t.”

LaPorte and Starke Counties were placed under a Travel Watch. St. Joseph and Marshall Counties are under a Travel Advisory, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.