(La Porte County, IN) - Anywhere from five to eight inches of fresh snow is reported in La Porte County with flakes still falling.

 

According to the National Weather Service, the lake effect bands that formed after a storm system passed through during the night could produce 12 inches or more of snow in areas where they are heaviest. The bands, described as 20 miles wide, are predicted to hover over much of La Porte County and Berrien County, Michigan.

 

A winter storm warning is in effect until Saturday.

 

Bob Johnson of Michigan City, who was plowing snow before sunrise near Ames Field, estimated at least two inches of lake effect snow per hour fell from about 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. before tapering off a bit.

 

“I can see finally now,” he said.

 

La Porte Street Department Director Jeff Batchelor said restrictions limiting parking to one side of the street are now in effect. Parking is allowed today on sides of streets with odd-numbered addresses, before switching tomorrow to sides with even-numbered addresses.

 

Batchelor said tickets will start being issued to vehicle owners not parked on the correct side of the street to allow plenty of space for snowplows to venture through.

 

No parking is allowed presently on emergency routes used by fire trucks and ambulances.