Lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes has impacted parts of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, leading to the stranding of hundreds of vehicles and disrupting post-Thanksgiving travel for millions.
Meteorologists predict that the storm will continue to deliver significant snowfall throughout the week, with Sunday being a peak travel day as many return home after the holiday. Reports indicate that over two feet of snow has fallen in various areas, with some communities experiencing more than three feet. As of Sunday afternoon, millions were under lake-effect snow warnings and freeze alerts.
Brian Hurley, a senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service, described the situation as "pretty brutal." Some regions could accumulate up to six feet of snow by Tuesday, particularly along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario in Pennsylvania and New York. In response, governors of both states have declared disasters and deployed National Guard troops.
While there have been some minor injury reports, no fatalities have been linked to the storm thus far.
Areas experiencing the most snowfall include a 160-mile stretch of Interstate 90 from northeast Ohio to Buffalo, as well as northern Michigan. Some New York communities have recorded over 40 inches of snow, with Copenhagen receiving 46 inches and West Carthage 41 inches. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula also set a record with over two feet of snow on Friday.
On Sunday, Watertown, N.Y., is expected to receive up to a foot and a half of snow, prompting the mayor to cancel city events and mobilize city departments for storm response.
Travel disruptions have been significant, with road closures and commercial truck bans along sections of Interstate 90 in New York. Officials have advised motorists to stay home due to hazardous conditions, which can change rapidly. Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded, with some motorists forced to sleep in their cars while waiting for conditions to improve.
Erie International Airport in Pennsylvania was closed for most of Saturday but reopened in the evening. However, commercial vehicles remained prohibited on the interstate from Ohio to the New York State line.
Forecasters expect lake-effect snow to persist through at least Tuesday, with additional snowfall amounts projected to be substantial. Areas around Lake Erie in Pennsylvania and New York could receive another two to three feet, while Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may see an additional two feet. Northeastern Ohio could expect 12 to 18 inches, and Buffalo could receive up to 20 inches through Sunday.
The storm, which began on Thursday, is attributed to cold air moving over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, a phenomenon that typically results in heavy snowfall during this time of year. Experts suggest that climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of lake-effect snow events in the short term.
The storm has also disrupted local communities, leading to school closures, canceled church services, and postponed events. Residents in affected areas are actively working to clear snow from their properties, while some businesses, like an Irish pub in Buffalo, anticipate increased patronage due to the storm.
As the snow continues to fall, some residents are embracing the winter weather, participating in activities like sledding, while others are focused on digging out from the heavy snowfall.