Northwest Indiana braced Monday for a blast of winter that could dump another 14 inches of snow and bring near whiteout conditions to some areas before it's over.

The storm warning issued by the National Weather Service called for snow to blanket the area from late Monday night through Wednesday.

Wind gusts in excess of 30 mph could create significant blowing and drifting snow.

With the storm barreling eastward Monday afternoon toward the Great Lakes, Lake and Porter counties stood little chance of escaping the latest bout of snow, said meteorologist Nick Greenwalt of the National Weather Service for northern Indiana.

"We're definitely going to be seeing some accumulation," Greenwalt said. "As far as a widespread event, this is one of the heavier ones we've seen this year."

Snow was expected to begin falling in Northwest Indiana just after midnight Monday with heavier snow arriving at daylight today, Greenwalt said.

Snow could total 10 to 12 inches through Wednesday, with some areas getting up to 14 inches.

The heaviest snowfall was expected to occur this afternoon into tonight, with heavy lake-effect snow squalls continuing into Wednesday morning over Porter County.

Accumulating snowfall was expected to slow traffic this morning.

Severe blowing and drifting snow was expected in open areas as northwest winds increase to 20 to 30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph, late tonight into Wednesday morning.

Rural areas could see near whiteout conditions develop late today into Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned.

The blowing and drifting snow could make it difficult for road crews to keep roads clear of snow.

Relief from the snow wasn't expected until Thursday, when mostly sunny, but cold, conditions are expected.

Temperatures will remain below freezing for at least the next week, Greenwalt said.