Buckle up folks, it’s about to get nasty.
The onset of winter has brought more than just a chill in the air for over 3 million Americans, who now find themselves under Lake-Effect Snow Warnings. The eastern regions of the Great Lakes and the interior Northeast are currently grappling with the first significant snowstorm of the season. Forecasts suggest that some areas could see upwards of 2 feet of snow through the middle of the week, marking a stark transition into the colder months.
This latest bout of winter weather arrives on the heels of a powerful storm that swept from the Plains across parts of the Midwest late last week. The storm, coinciding with post-Thanksgiving travel, resulted in several inches of snowfall, numerous crashes, and tragically, at least three fatalities. These events underline the storm’s severe impact on one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The weather forecasters have noted that the lake-effect snow began in earnest on Monday. This phenomenon occurs as cold air, recently plunged southward from Canada, flows over the still unfrozen Great Lakes. This interaction is expected to cause multiple days of sustained lake-effect snow, particularly downwind of the lakes.
As of Monday, the focus of the highest snow accumulations is western and central New York. Areas south of Watertown, New York, are particularly vulnerable, with predictions of more than 2 feet of fresh snow by Wednesday. This snowfall is not just substantial but also rapid, posing significant challenges to the region.
Lake-Effect Snow Warnings have been issued across a broad swath of the region. These warnings stretch from Cleveland to Erie, Pennsylvania, and further into Jamestown, New York, including the Buffalo Southtowns. Central New York areas like Syracuse, Watertown, and Old Forge are also under warning, emphasizing the widespread nature of this event.
In response to the developing situation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged New Yorkers to brace for the storm’s impacts. The governor’s statement highlights the hazardous weather conditions expected in areas where lake-effect snow bands are most intense. These conditions could severely hamper travel over the next day or so.
Governor Hochul’s advice to residents is to exercise extra caution, especially when traveling, and to stay updated with the weather forecasts. The intensity of this snowstorm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of lake-effect snow and the importance of preparedness during winter months. As we move further into the season, this event sets a precedent for the type of weather we might expect and underscores the need for vigilance and caution.