Holiday revelers trying to make their way home after Thanksgiving may find themselves in tricky driving conditions as the US braces for lake-effect snow. This weather phenomenon is caused when cold, wind-driven air passes over warm bodies of water, like the Great Lakes. The result is a significant amount of snowfall that can make driving treacherous and dangerous.
Over two million people in the Great Lakes region are currently under lake-effect snow warnings, with Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York expected to receive significant amounts of snowfall this weekend. The Weather Prediction Center reported that western New York has seen approximately four feet of snow in recent days, with more expected in the coming days. Most of the lake-effect warnings in western New York are set to expire on Sunday night through Monday, while areas in northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania will see their warnings extended until Tuesday morning.
The bitter cold temperatures accompanying the snowfall are expected to linger for several days, with approximately 70% of the US experiencing temperatures below freezing. Cities like New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati are all forecasted to have below-average temperatures throughout the week.
Residents in areas like Erie, Pennsylvania, are already feeling the effects of the snowstorm. Reports from the region describe homeowners spending hours shoveling and blowing snow off their driveways and sidewalks. Erie native Richard Korytowski expressed surprise at the amount of snowfall, stating that he has been shoveling for hours with no end in sight.
State officials in New York and Pennsylvania have declared emergencies in response to the extreme weather conditions. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has called in the National Guard to assist stranded motorists and ensure that emergency services can reach those in need. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized that state agencies are working tirelessly to respond to the storm, with over 100 National Guard members supporting the operation.
The heavy snowfall comes as millions of Thanksgiving travelers are trying to make their way home. The National Weather Service has warned of whiteout conditions in the affected regions, making travel “treacherous and potentially dangerous.” Post-holiday travel is expected to be very difficult, if not impossible, for some motorists.
Forecasters predict that temperatures in the eastern US will drop significantly below normal in the coming days. An Arctic chill descending southward from Canada is expected to result in temperatures 15–25 degrees below average until the middle of next week. Eastern states are preparing for much cooler temperatures than usual, with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center forecasting below-average highs throughout the region.
In addition to the snowfall in western New York, parts of Pennsylvania, northern Ohio, and western New York are expected to receive 1 to 2 feet of snow through Monday. Forecasters predict that locations downwind of lakes Erie and Ontario will be the most affected, including northeast Ohio, far northwest Pennsylvania, and western New York.
Residents in areas like North East, Pennsylvania, and Ashtabula County, Ohio, have already seen significant snow accumulation. Reports of up to 42 inches of snow in North East, Pennsylvania, and 40 inches in Ashtabula County have been recorded. Parts of New York, including Barnes Corners and Copenhagen, have also experienced heavy snowfall.
As residents brace for more snowfall and frigid temperatures, local officials are urging caution and preparedness. Sections of highways in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York have already seen challenging conditions, with crews working around the clock to clear roads. The Ohio Department of Transportation in Akron reported that 25 crew members were busy addressing the snowfall in Ashtabula County, where a state of emergency was declared.
As travelers navigate the challenging conditions, they are advised to exercise caution and only travel if necessary. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued warnings for whiteout conditions and advised against unnecessary travel. Buffalo’s lake-effect snow warning remains in effect through Monday night, with officials urging residents to drive carefully if they must venture out.
In the midst of the snowstorm, preparations are being made for a football game between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. The Bills have called on fans to help clear the snow-covered field at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, ahead of the game. While Erie County officials do not anticipate that the snowy conditions will impact the game, they are taking precautions to ensure that the field is ready for play.
With lake-effect snow expected to continue in the affected regions, residents are advised to stay prepared and exercise caution when traveling. The winter storm is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being ready for extreme weather conditions. As the snow continues to fall, residents are encouraged to stay safe and take necessary precautions to weather the storm.
