One word certainly describes the start of the New Year - white.

The snow stopped people in their tracks as they tried to make their way home from holiday gatherings.

The snow may look pretty, but when white is blinding you, it can be an ugly scene, especially on a 90 mile drive from Chicago.

Doug Cabell says, “We saw a few people spun out and you could only see about two feet in front of you. I wouldn't drive right now at all to be honest."

Mary Baker was hoping to get from Wisconsin to New York, but had to stay in South Bend.

"I should be back to work on Monday, but not sure if I'm going to make it. I'm watching the Weather Channel, all this snow is coming through Ohio, so we'll see," says Baker.

Friday afternoon, I-94 in Berrien County was shut down. State Police say white out conditions caused a 30-40 car pile up.

Another accident happened late Friday afternoon near Brick and Fir road in Granger.

Police say a couple in an SUV veered off the road and ran up the security wires from a telephone poll.

Several firefighters were on scene helping the people get out of the vehicle safely.

“We set up some stabilization so we could put a ladder at the door and get the people out of the vehicle. They were uninjured,” said Clay Fire Battalion Chief Ron Brentlinger. “It's pretty slick out right now so people need to slow down and use caution.”

It's side streets that take longer to clear, so police say please slow down.

Main streets and highways seem to be clear, but even on the toll road earlier today in the LaPorte area, there was a flip over. Fortunately, state police say everyone was okay.

Posted: 11:45 PM Jan 1, 2010
Reporter: Erin Logan
Email Address: erin.logan@wndu.com

A fresh blanket of snow is making the roads slick in Michiana.