Lake-Effect Snow — Northern La Porte County, Indiana

2026-01-14 to 2026-01-15 · Northern La Porte County, Indiana

Event narrative

A single band of heavy lake effect developed behind an arctic front during the morning hours of January 14th, becoming nearly stationary and intensifying during the late evening of January 14th into the early morning hours of January 15th. Snowfall rates of more than 2 inches per hour were reported with near zero visibility. Snowfall totals across the country were generally greater than a foot, with a report of 20.0 inches 3 miles north-northeast of Fish Lake. There were innumerous slide-offs and crashes, with multi-vehicle crashes on the Indiana Toll Road.

Wider weather episode

An intense lake effect snow band produced dangerous travel and near whiteout conditions. Snowfall totals exceeded a foot in portions of Marshall, St. Joseph and eastern La Porte counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1303018. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.