Crown Point, Indiana – A powerful Thanksgiving weekend snowstorm created dangerous travel conditions across Northwest Indiana, overwhelming state troopers with hundreds of calls for assistance as drivers struggled with slick, snow-covered roads.
The Indiana State Police Lowell District reported that between Saturday morning and Sunday morning, troopers responded to a surge of more than 200 weather-related incidents across the region. The rapid snowfall, coupled with freezing pavement, turned major highways into hazardous routes during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Widespread Crashes and Slide-Offs Across the Region
State police confirmed that a 24-hour stretch from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday saw a sharp spike in roadway emergencies. The totals included:
- 120 slide-offs
- 84 crashes
- 7 injury crashes
- 40 motorist assists
- 10 abandoned vehicle checks
Troopers said the majority of these incidents occurred during periods of heavy, steady snowfall that moved through the region late Saturday and early Sunday, creating near-whiteout conditions for several hours.
I-65 Hit Hard Between Crown Point and Remington
One of the most dangerous hotspots was a long section of I-65 from Crown Point to Remington, a corridor that saw especially treacherous conditions. Troopers in this area handled:
- 39 crashes
- 68 slide-offs
- 16 motorist assists
This stretch of I-65 is known for rapidly changing weather patterns during winter storms, and police noted that slick pavement and reduced visibility contributed to the spike in incidents.
Trouble Along I-80/94 During Peak Holiday Travel
The snowstorm also caused significant issues along I-80/94, one of the region’s busiest highway systems. The interstate saw multiple crashes and slide-offs from the Illinois state line to the Michigan border, a route heavily traveled during Thanksgiving weekend.
Officials said these weather-related issues came at a time when traffic was already higher than average, compounding delays and increasing the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.
Driver Dies in Hammond Incident During Storm
Late Sunday morning, troopers responded to a crash on I-80 in Hammond, where the situation turned tragic. The driver involved was later pronounced deceased. According to preliminary findings, the individual suffered a medical emergency while driving, and investigators do not believe the crash itself caused the fatality.
Family members who were inside the vehicle witnessed the medical emergency unfold, authorities said. The investigation remains ongoing.
Police Cite Preventable Factors Behind Many Crashes
Indiana State Police emphasized that many of the weekend incidents could have been avoided. Troopers reported that the two most common causes behind the dozens of crashes and slide-offs were:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Following too closely
These behaviors, combined with slick pavement and blowing snow, significantly increased the risk of losing control on the roadways.
Winter Driving Season Officially Begins in Indiana
With fall ending and winter weather settling in across the state, officials are reminding drivers to take extra precautions. State police urge travelers to:
- Slow down during snow or freezing rain
- Leave additional space between vehicles
- Equip vehicles with winter-ready tires and emergency kits
- Check updated forecasts before traveling
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights before driving
Troopers added that preparing ahead can help prevent the type of widespread crashes seen over the weekend as Indiana enters the winter storm season.
Stay Informed and Share Your Experience
If you encountered hazardous conditions or witnessed travel delays during the weekend snowstorm in Northwest Indiana, share your observations in the comments below.
