Lake-Effect Snow — Western St. Joseph County, Indiana

2026-01-26 · Western St. Joseph County, Indiana

Event narrative

A slow moving, lake effect snow band produced treacherous, nearly impossible travel due to intense snowfall rates and near zero visibility during the morning hours of January 26th. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour were reported, with snowfall totals generally ranging between 8 and 14 inches. There was a report of 13.5 inches of total snow accumulation in New Carlisle. Numerous schools and businesses were closed on January 26th with reports of slide-offs and accidents on area roads.

Wider weather episode

An intense band of lake effect snow produced near whiteout conditions and 2 to 4 inch per hour snowfall rates during the late evening hours of January 25th into the morning of January 26th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1307423. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.