Lake Snow Effect Warning: THESE States Could Get Up To 12-Inch Snow Fall

This weekend, a strong Arctic blast is predicted to bring severe winter weather and cause lake-effect snow throughout the eastern part of the United States, which could cause travel plans in the area to be disrupted after Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “treacherous and potentially dangerous” conditions and anticipated whiteouts from Cleveland, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York, and into Michigan.

Parts of Michigan, western New York, northwest Pennsylvania, and northeast Ohio are predicted to receive between 6 and 12 inches of snow. Four to six feet are anticipated in certain locations downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Through Sunday morning, residents in the Ohio River Valley—from Kansas City to Charleston, West Virginia—will receive two to five inches of precipitation.

Cold Air Engulfs the Region

From Minnesota and the Dakotas, the Arctic air mass moved southeastward. In the Northern Plains, temperatures fell as much as 20 degrees below normal, while in Gulf Coast states like Alabama and Mississippi, they fell by 10 degrees below normal.

Through Monday, the NWS warned of extremely low wind chills in all impacted locations. Because of the increased danger of hypothermia and frostbite, travelers were advised to bring winter survival kits, according to Forbes.

Heavy Snowfall Along Great Lakes

Snowfall was accelerated by the chilly air passing across the Great Lakes. Heavy, narrow bands of snow, a frequent lake-effect phenomena, were caused by warmer-than-normal lake temperatures. By Monday, accumulation had reached six feet in some areas.

The towns of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville in New York prepared for dire circumstances. Governor Kathy Hochul warned of major disruptions and proclaimed a state of emergency in 11 counties, the report stated.

More than three feet of snow might fall in Ohio’s Northern and Southern Erie counties. Up to five feet was predicted for Ashtabula Lakeshore, Ashtabula Inland, and Lake counties. By Monday, there could be three feet in some places on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including the Marquette region.

Travel Chaos Amid Thanksgiving Return

Millions of people had their post-Thanksgiving journey interrupted by the storm. According to FlightAware, 53 flights were canceled and 3,947 planes were delayed throughout the United States on Friday. Three million Americans are anticipated to take flights on Sunday, out of an estimated 80 million who traveled for the holiday, according to AAA, as per Newsx.

Lake-Effect Snow Explained

When cold air moves over warmer lake waters, lake-effect snow is created. As moisture levels rise, clouds are formed, resulting in narrow areas of heavy snowfall. As seen in November 2014, when 80 inches of snow fell on portions of Erie County, New York, resulting in $46 million in damages, this phenomena may cause catastrophic localized storms.

Record-warm water temperatures in the Great Lakes right now are probably making snowstorms stronger. Residents should brace themselves for extended interruptions as snowfall persists until early Monday, according to meteorologists.