The first major lake-effect snowstorm of the season has hit western New York and its surrounding areas, bringing heavy accumulations and dangerous whiteout conditions. The snowstorm has also affected northern Michigan, northeast Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and even the interior Mid-Atlantic.
Western New York has experienced thunder, along with rates of snowfall up to 3 inches per hour. The heavy snow has caused snow-related accidents and led to hazardous travel conditions, but as of midday, there were no road closures. In Ohio, a crash involving 13 vehicles occurred about 20 miles south of Cleveland, causing multiple non-life-threatening injuries. Winter weather advisories remain in effect for northern Michigan and its Upper Peninsula. Lake squalls have been reported in West Virginia and western Maryland, where up to 7 inches of snow has fallen.
According to reports, snow totals have been greater off Lake Ontario than Lake Erie, with areas like Constableville, N.Y., and Hamburg, N.Y. experiencing significant snowfall.
As the snowstorm continues, a lake-effect-snow warning remains in effect and more snow is predicted for areas south of Buffalo’s airport and near Springville, N.Y. Additional snow is also expected over the Tug Hill Plateau, with the potential for up to 30 inches of total snowfall.
Lake-effect snow occurs when frigid air blows down the length of a comparatively warm lake. The responsible weather system driving wind across the lakes is an upper-level low-pressure zone, which is bringing frigid air, low pressure, and moisture across the lakes.
As the snowstorm continues, residents are urged to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. Meanwhile, as winter approaches, snow is certainly not a forgotten form of precipitation on the East Coast.