(LOCAL LISTENING AREA) - A winter blast is on the way for northeast Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio, and the National Weather Service says residents should prepare for slick roads and bitter cold. Across Steuben, DeKalb, Noble, and LaGrange counties in Indiana, forecasters expect light snow to move in late this evening, with steadier bands developing overnight. Accumulations will stay on the lighter side for most areas, but brief bursts of heavier lake-effect snow could quickly reduce visibility -- especially north of U.S. 6.
In Branch and Hillsdale counties in Michigan, colder air arrives first, bringing a mix of snow showers and gusty winds. Drivers along I-69 and U.S. 12 may see patchy blowing snow before sunrise.
And in Williams County, Ohio, forecasters say light snow will develop after midnight with temperatures falling into the teens. Roads could become slick during the early morning commute.
Wind chills across the entire region are expected to dip into the single digits by daybreak.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to slow down, allow extra travel time, and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions. More updates will be issued as the system develop