(North Webster, IN) - A winter weather advisory will go into effect at 4 p.m. today in portions of northern Indiana such as La Porte County and southwest Michigan.

 

According to the National Weather Service, there could be 3 to 5 inches of lake effect snow along with wind gusts as high as 45 mph.

 

A winter storm warning has been issued for eastern St. Joseph County, Elkhart and other counties in that portion of the state where lake effect bands are expected to be heaviest.

 

The advisory and warning are in effect until midnight or 1 a.m. Friday (EST).

 

Police Officer Mike Kellems of La Porte said drivers should check current weather radar conditions before leaving for their destinations because of how lake effect snow bands can move with any change in wind direction.