The Buffalo area and other parts of Upstate New York are currently being slammed by heavy lake-effect snow accompanied by strong winds and plummeting temperatures. Totals of up to 30 inches are expected downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, with the heaviest snowfall expected on Monday night into Tuesday.
Lake-effect snow warnings remain in effect through early Wednesday for northwestern Pennsylvania, the Tug Hill Plateau, and Syracuse, NY. Drivers on Interstates 80, 90, and 91 are likely to experience rapidly changing visibility and whiteout conditions, particularly in the heaviest snow bands with snowfall rates exceeding 3 inches per hour.
Lake-effect snow occurs when cold winds blow over warmer, ice-free waters in early winter. Upstate New York is familiar with these conditions, as the Buffalo area saw a staggering 133.6 inches of snow last year due to back-to-back lake-effect snowstorms.
While the current snowstorm is not expected to be as severe as last year’s, it still poses significant challenges for residents and drivers in the affected areas. A general 8 to 16 inches of snow is forecasted off Lake Erie, with localized totals of up to 20 inches possible. Downstream of Lake Ontario, most areas on the Tug Hill Plateau are expected to receive 1 to 2 feet of snow, with some areas near the county line potentially getting up to 30 inches.
The snow bands had already materialized by Monday morning, and conditions are expected to intensify due to an approaching upper-air disturbance and cooler air in the upper atmosphere. Isolated lightning strikes may also occur in the affected areas.
Ultimately, residents and travelers in the affected regions should exercise caution and prepare for hazardous driving conditions and significant snowfall totals.