Afternoon snowstorm leads to snarled traffic, slow travel
Post-Tribune Staff Report January 20, 2012 11:46AM
Snow gathers on his jacket and hat as Don Adkins of Hobart scrapes off his car on Main Street in downtown Hobart, Ind. Friday January 20, 2012. Heavy snow reduced visibility and slowed the afternoon commute. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 22, 2012 8:04AM
Driving was treacherous for many Northwest Indiana commuters on their way home from work Friday afternoon as snow fell at a rate of one inch an hour.
Light snow started about 11 a.m. Friday in Lake County, but moderate to heavy flakes were blanketing the region at a faster clip starting about 2 p.m. affecting visibility on roadways.
The National Weather Service reported that visibility was limited to a quarter-mile in many places. By 6:30 p.m., weather spotters reported that 6.5 inches had fallen in Lakes of the Four Seasons, 5.2 inches in Valparaiso and 5 inches in Schererville by 4:42 p.m.
The Indiana State Police responded to several crashes and slide-offs along the Borman Expressway and Interstate 65, but none caused serious injuries. Plows were visible on roads, but many streets remained slick and snow-packed into the evening, particularly on U.S. 30.
The Hobart Chick-fil-A restaurant closed about 4 p.m. because of worsening weather.
Northwest Indiana remains under a winter weather advisory until midnight. Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens overnight.
Some Chicago-based airlines are already canceling flights and schools are planning to close early in anticipation of the winter storm.
Airlines at O’Hare canceled more than 600 flights — both inbound and outbound — as of 3:30 p.m., because of the storm, according to the city Department of Aviation. At Midway, airlines canceled more than 100 flights Friday.
“Very cold” temperatures reaching only the teens will also make road salt less effective, and may make clearing snow and ice from roadways more difficult for crews, according to the weather service.
Meanwhile, Portage Township Schools announced early closings. Portage High School and Willowcreeek Middle School will close at 1 p.m.; Fegely Middle School and all elementaries at 1:45 p.m.
All after school events, including athletic events, are cancelled.
For more closings, see cancellations.com.
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