The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Lake Effect Snow Watch yesterday that will continue into this evening.

According to the NWS, lake effect snow is expected to continue today and into tonight in Kosciusko, Elkhart, Miami and Wabash counties in Indiana and Cass County in Michigan. The snow will be heavy at times with significant accumulations. Strong north to northwest winds will also create blowing and drifting snow. The national weather service projected light snowfall in these areas yesterday which could result in slick roads this morning.

Marshall County is among six northwest Indiana and southwest lower Michigan counties that are currently under the Lake Effect Snow Watch. Other counties include Fulton, Starke, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties in Indiana and Berrien County in Michigan.

Moderate to heavy lake effect snow bands will continue through the day today and begin to diminish and shift north this evening. The snow bands are expected to become a bit disorganized this morning as a weak front drops south and shifts the low level winds. While snow showers will still be occurring, their intensity may diminish for a period this morning. Better organization and more intense snow showers are expected again by the afternoon and into this evening as winds become northbound again across Lake Michigan.

The heaviest snow, which the NWS projects could potentially exceed a foot, is expected across Berrien County in Michigan and far eastern LaPorte and central to western St. Joseph Counties. Snowfall amounts of 7-12 inches are expected in these areas. The heavier bands are expected to clip  eastern Starke County and northern Marshall County where 4-8 inches are possible. The NWS also states in the advisory that snow amounts  will significantly depend on where the snow bands align. Amounts ranging from 2-5 inches are possible in the advisory area.

Significant impacts to holiday travel are expected today and this evening, especially for those traveling on Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road and Highways 6 and 30 over northwest Indiana and southwest lower Michigan.

Most winter weather related deaths are a result of auto accidents on slippery roads, so drive with more caution when roads are bad. Clear your windows, headlights and tail lights of snow and ice. Give yourself plenty of extra travel time to reach your destination. Slow down and adjust your following distance for the road conditions. Bridges and overpasses become slick and icy before roads do.

The best way to stay safe during winter is to be prepared. Use common sense and caution. Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio or commercial radio or television for the latest information regarding weather conditions. Take action when the National Weather Service issues a watch, warning or advisory.