As U.S. travelers braved wintry conditions to return home after the Thanksgiving holiday, residents in the Great Lakes region braced for more snow and freezing temperatures in the coming days, meteorologists said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) indicated that Monday's snowfall, combined with gusty winds and dropping temperatures, was just the beginning of what is expected to be a prolonged winter storm. The combination of these elements is likely to intensify in some areas, creating dangerous conditions.
Lake-effect snow warnings, caused when cold, dry air moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, producing narrow, intense bands of snow, remained in effect across parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York until Tuesday night. This type of snow can bring significant accumulations over short distances, making it especially challenging for residents and travelers.
By the weekend, areas in upstate New York had already been hit hard, with some locations near Lake Ontario recording up to 1.2 meters of snowfall. Similar conditions were reported in parts of Pennsylvania and Michigan, where heavy snow disrupted daily routines and travel.
Amid the challenging climate, NFL fans in Buffalo, New York, showed their resilience. During Sunday night's game between the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, attendees endured freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. The Bills organization even offered $20 an hour, along with food and hot drinks, to volunteers willing to shovel snow from the stadium before the game. Despite a freezing start at 3°C (with a wind chill of -8°C), the game went ahead, a testament to the team's familiarity with harsh winter weather at the end of the season.
State officials, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, warned that snowfall totals could reach between 12 and 24 inches in western New York, with areas in the northern part of the state potentially seeing an additional 24 to 36 inches . The governor's office urged residents to exercise caution and remain prepared for evolving weather conditions.
Emergencies declared in New York and Pennsylvania
The severe weather prompted emergency declarations in multiple states. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an emergency proclamation on Saturday, citing significant snowfall in parts of the state, particularly Erie County, which saw nearly 24 inches of accumulation. Forecasters expect further snowfall to persist through the week, with totals rising further by midnight.
Similarly, Michigan faced heavy snowfall as lake effect bands originating from Lake Superior blanketed the Upper Peninsula. Meteorologist Lily Chapman of the National Weather Service reported snowfall totals exceeding 24 inches in some areas, with the northern Ironwood region recording 69 inches of accumulation.
In addition to the Great Lakes states, a light dusting of snow created picturesque winter scenes in parts of eastern Kentucky and western Virginia. While the snowfall here was less destructive, it provided a great opportunity for road crews to practice clearing highways in preparation for more significant storms as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, the Appalachian region is expected to see low temperatures between -6°C and -12°C in the coming days, according to forecasters. This cold snap follows a blast of Arctic air that brought temperatures 6 to 12 degrees below average across the Northern Plains last week. The NWS expects these cold conditions to extend across the eastern third of the United States throughout the month, keeping residents huddled together as winter takes hold.
As snow continues to accumulate and temperatures drop, residents in affected regions are advised to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this winter onslaught.