INDIANA — A Snow Squall Warning is in effect until 11:15 AM EST Wednesday for portions of north-central Indiana, where an intense burst of snow is producing whiteout conditions, rapidly deteriorating visibility, and dangerous travel across several major roadways. According to warning details, the squall is impacting areas along US-24, US-35, US-31, and US-421, particularly near Logansport, Monticello, Peru, and Rochester.
What Is Happening Right Now
This snow squall is a fast-moving but highly dangerous winter weather event, capable of turning clear roads into hazardous conditions in minutes. Heavy, wind-driven snow is reducing visibility to near zero in some locations.
Key hazards include:
- Whiteout conditions in heavy, blowing snow
- Rapid snow accumulation on untreated roads
- Sudden loss of visibility for drivers
- Life-threatening travel conditions
Unlike longer snowstorms, snow squalls develop quickly and leave little time for drivers to react.
Areas and Highways Most at Risk
The warning area includes communities and roadways across Cass, Carroll, Fulton, and Miami counties, with impacts concentrated near:
- Logansport
- Monticello
- Peru
- Rochester
- Winamac and Royal Center
Major highways within the warning zone include US-24, US-31, US-35, US-30, and I-65, where traffic conditions can change abruptly.
Approximately 145,000 people are within the potential impact area.
Why Snow Squalls Are So Dangerous
Snow squalls are known for causing some of the most severe winter traffic accidents because they combine intense snowfall with strong winds over a short period of time. Drivers may encounter:
- Clear roads followed immediately by whiteout conditions
- Sudden braking and chain-reaction crashes
- Vehicles sliding off roadways due to flash snow accumulation
Emergency officials warn that travel during a snow squall can become extremely dangerous within seconds.
What Drivers Should Do
If you encounter a snow squall or are traveling within the warning area:
- Slow down immediately
- Turn on headlights
- Increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking
- Pull off the road safely if visibility drops to zero
If possible, delay travel until conditions improve, especially during the warning window…