Officials warn of ice, blowing snow on northern Indiana roads

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WLS) -- Though roads appear clear, officials are warning of black ice and blowing snow that are causing headaches for many drivers in northwest Indiana.

Tow trucks are on hand to try to pull a semi out of the ditch along westbound I-94. It's one of several that have slid off the roads Wednesday.

Police say the combination of extreme cold and high winds is catching many drivers by surprise.

"First thing you know, your vehicle is swerving out of control, as with these big trucks, they're jackknifing and off the road they go," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Lee Wright.

Thanks to blowing snow, visibility in some areas is no more than a few feet.

Kevin Soheili has driven from Detroit through Chesterton, Ind., so far.

"I saw like three or four semis rolled over on the side of the road, it's pretty bad," he said.

While the highway looks dry and clear, police say there are numerous stretches of black ice. The cold temperatures come on the heels of several inches of snow that fell Wednesday morning, keeping crews in Michigan City busy clearing neighborhood streets.

Many northwest Indiana residents are used to this weather, but that makes it no more fun to deal with.

"It's freezing!" said Shannon Ferrell, a driver.

The extreme cold is wreaking havoc with many vehicles as well, and mechanics are busy trying to keep everyone moving.

"Mostly cold freeze-ups, air lines, bad wheel bearings," said Mike Sullivan of 24-7 Repair in Griffith, Ind.

Officials advise drivers to give themselves at least three times the normal amount of following distance behind the vehicle in front of them while driving through this area.