Millions Under Lake-Effect Snow Warning This Weekend—As Severe Weather Could Make Travel ‘Treacherous’ In Eastern US

Posted by author November 30, 2024 Travel

Topline

A powerful Arctic blast is expected to bring severe winter weather and trigger lake-effect snow across the eastern half of the U.S. this weekend—potentially disrupting post-Thanksgiving travel plans in the region.

A cars drives along a local route covered with snow during the first winter storm of season at the … [+] Poconos in Pennsylvania.

Corbis via Getty Images

Key Facts

A lake-effect storm warning will remain in effect until early Monday as whiteout conditions will likely make travel “treacherous and potentially dangerous” in an area spanning from Cleveland, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York, and other regions of upper New York and Michigan, the National Weather Service said Saturday.

An Artic blast of cold air will move from the Dakotas and Minnesota toward the Southeast, with temperatures up to 20 degrees below average expected across parts of the Northern Plains and about 10 degrees lower for states near the Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle, the agency said.

The blast will bring “dangerously cold wind chills” through at least Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Earlier this week, the blast of cold air moved over the Great Lakes, triggering heavy lake-effect snowfall in parts of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

On Friday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issue a state of emergency for 11 counties, including some that could experience up to 6 feet of snowfall.

The agency warned the extreme cold weather will raise the risk of frostbites and hypothermia, and urged travelers to carry a winter survival kit.

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What Is Lake-Effect Snow?

Lake effect snow is a common weather phenomenon witnessed in the Great Lakes region during winter when cold air from the north moves above the comparatively warmer waters in the lakes. This leads to moisture from the lakes being pulled into the atmosphere, causing it to form rapidly growing clouds as the air moves over the water bodies. This usually results in narrow but intense bands of snowfall. The water in the Great Lakes is currently seeing record-warm temperatures, which could intensify the effect. One of the most extreme instances of lake-effect snowfall was witnessed in November 2014, when parts of Erie County, New York received nearly 80 inches of snow during the storm, which caused $46 million in damages.

Where Is Snow Forecast?

Forecasters warned of up to 6 feet of snowfall in areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday, including the New York cities of Oswego, Watertown and Lowville, the National Weather Service said. More than 3 feet of snow is expected to accumulate in Northern Erie and Southern Erie counties in Ohio, while other areas in Ohio could experience up to 5 feet, including Ashtabula Inland, Ashtabula Lakeshore and Lake counties. Some parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see up to 3 feet of snow Sunday through Monday, including a region east of Marquette, the agency said.

Big Number

3,947. That’s how many flights in the U.S. were delayed on Friday, in addition to 53 more flights that were canceled, according to FlightAware data. Nearly 80 million people were expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA, including 3 million who were expected to travel by air on Sunday.