Major winter weather arrives this evening: cold, snow, and wind

While the start of the day is quiet, an impactful winter storm will arrive by this evening.

The storm will bring snow, gusty winds, and a dramatic drop in temperatures. These conditions last into the holiday weekend.

A few showers (rain/snow mix) are possible midday today.

The heaviest snow starts around the time of the evening commute, and it will begin to accumulate. Try to avoid traveling this evening, overnight, and Friday.

Wind picks up this evening, with some wind gusts 30 mph by tonight.

The system snow continues overnight. Most system snow wraps up by Friday, however, lake effect snow will continue to impact the northern half of Michiana through Saturday.

Wind gusts on Friday up to 50 mph are possible. This will cause blizzard-like conditions, with blowing and drifting snow causing whiteout conditions on roads.

Wind chills tomorrow are dangerous: dropping at times to 20 to 25 below zero.

It's still windy Saturday with wind gusts 35 mph. Wind chills stay below zero through the weekend.

Snow should finally come to an end by Christmas Day Sunday.

Next week, temperatures will climb a bit each day.

Today: Rain/snow. Heavy snow starting in the evening. High 36.

Tonight: Snowy. Falling temperatures. Wind gusts up to 40 mph. Low 2.

Friday: Heavy snow ending. Wind gusts 50 mph. Blowing/drifting snow. Cold. High 6.

Saturday: Lake effect snow. Breezy and cold. High 10.

Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy and cold. High 10.