Great Lakes Region

A powerful lake-effect snowstorm has struck the Great Lakes region, bringing hazardous conditions and significant snowfall accumulations. Areas downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are experiencing whiteout conditions and snow totals reaching up to 6 feet in some locations.

Intense Snowfall and Hazardous Conditions

The storm, fueled by the contrast between warm lake waters and cold Arctic air, is impacting parts of Michigan, New York, and beyond. Snowfall rates have reached up to 5 inches per hour in some areas, leading to rapid accumulation and near-zero visibility. Major highways, including I-90, I-79, and I-81, have faced closures as motorists become stranded in the treacherous conditions. Strong, freezing winds and towering snowdrifts are adding to the danger.

Affected Areas

The heaviest usprimetimes snowfall is concentrated south of Buffalo, New York, Watertown, New York, and in the Tug Hill Plateau near Lake Ontario. These regions are expected to see accumulations of up to 6 feet. Meanwhile, areas just outside the snow bands remain largely unaffected, resulting in starkly different experiences within short distances.

State of Emergency Declared

In response to the extreme conditions, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency for the hardest-hit counties, enabling state agencies to deploy critical resources. The lake-effect snow is expected to persist through the weekend and into early next week as an Arctic air mass continues to pour in from Canada.

Travel Disruptions

The heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions have led to significant travel disruptions. Major highways have been closed, and motorists are wealthylike advised to avoid non-essential travel. Airports in the affected regions are experiencing delays and cancellations due to the storm.

Ongoing Monitoring

Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s progression and impact. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed through local weather updates and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme weather event.