The winter storm is here in Michiana – it will bring snow all day Wednesday. Additional snow is likely Thursday, in addition to gusty winds and blowing snow. the Winter Storm Warning remains in place through 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3.

Roads will be slick Wednesday morning as the snow starts to accumulate. The best advice is to stay off the roads as much as possible – but if it is necessary to travel, give yourself plenty of extra time. By normal morning commute hours, we could see up to 6” of snow on the ground. We will continue to add to these totals through the afternoon and evening – expect around one foot of snow total today.

TIMING:

• Snowfall will near 6″ in the Wednesday morning
• Snowfall will near 9″ by Wednesday midday
• Snowfall will near 12″ by Wednesday evening
• Lighter snowfall Thursday, ending midday to afternoon.
• Wind gust up to 35 mph Thursday midday
• Blowing and drifting snow a problem on rural roads all day Thursday

Temperatures are in the lower 30s this morning, but will fall into the mid 20s by afternoon. The wind picks up as the day continues. We’ll get a brief lull in snow later this evening, but another round of snow moves through on Thursday. Accumulations are not as high Thursday, especially for the northwest portion of Michiana. With gusty winds, however, blowing and drifting snow could become problematic. Visibility with blowing snow could be extremely low at times. Drifting snow will be a bigger issue in rural areas.

Snow wraps up before the end of the day Thursday. While there’s no new snow on Friday – roads could still be messy, especially for the Friday morning commute.

Temperatures take a nose dive to end the week, with a high of 20 on Thursday and 18 Friday. Overnight lows fall into the single digits. Some improvement in temperatures starting Sunday.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST /6 PM
CST/ THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to
  16 inches with locally higher amounts up to 18 inches and ice
  accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

* WHEN...From 1 AM EST /midnight CST/ Wednesday to 7 PM EST /6
  PM CST/ Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible.
  Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility
  tonight and Thursday. The hazardous conditions will impact
  travel starting this morning and persisting through the day
  Thursday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm will bring potentially dangerous winter weather today
through Thursday. Unplowed roads are likely to become impassable
in many areas. Plummeting wind chills accompanied by blowing and
drifting snow could bring a potentially lethal travel situation
with wind chills falling below zero if you become stuck in your
vehicle Thursday night. Plan now to make any needed travel changes
to avoid travel during this time. Monitor the latest forecasts
for updates on this developing major winter storm. If you must
travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle
in case of an emergency.

Your ABC 57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather Center Forecast:

Today: All day snow. Temperatures fall from 30.

Tonight: Snow showers. Windy. Low 18.
Thursday: Snow. Windy with blowing/drifting snow. High 20.

Friday: Mostly sunny. High 18.