Michiana prepares for first major winter storm of the season
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Parts of the area are preparing for a blast of winter weather. A major blizzard is barreling across much of the Midwest and will impact sections of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan beginning early Monday morning.
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg sent out a tweet Sunday evening about how the city is preparing.
"Snow is in the forecast and street crews will be working overnight to prepare," the tweet said. "We have 16 trucks ready to go and will be refitting leaf pickup vehicles as needed. Once snow has receded are complete, the City will resume leaf pickup. Drive safe!"
Right now no travel advisories have been issued for the area. St. Joseph County's Office of Emergency Management says it is watching the situation closely.
The storm has already caused a travel nightmare for people trying to get home from Thanksgiving celebrations. As of Sunday night more than 800 flights had been cancelled at Chicago's O'hare and Midway Airports.
Those cancellations included four flights at South Bend International Airport Sunday night going to and from Chicago. Allegiant already cancelled all flights going to and from Las Vegas and Orlando on Monday.
Despite those cancellations, South Bend International Airport says it is prepared for the incoming storm. The airport released this statement tonight:
"The airport operations and maintenance team is well-prepared for the incoming storm. They will work around the clock to clear runways and taxiways to make sure both are clear for incoming and outgoing airplanes.
Please remember to check your flight status direct with the airline you are traveling with prior to heading to the airport. "
You can check your current flight status here.
The South Shore Line reported one eastbound train was delayed due to weather Sunday night. If you plan to take the South Shore train Monday morning -- you can track your train here.
Stay ahead of the storm by downloading the ABC57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather App.