Millions Under Lake-Effect Snow Warning This Weekend—As Severe Weather Could Make Travel ‘Treacherous’ In Eastern US
Posted on 11/30/2024
Topline
A powerful Arctic blast is expected to bring severe winter weather and trigger lake-effect snow across the eastern half of the U.S. this weekend—potentially disrupting post-Thanksgiving travel plans in the region.
Key Facts
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What Is Lake-Effect Snow?
Lake effect snow is a common weather phenomenon witnessed in the Great Lakes region during winter when cold air from the north moves above the comparatively warmer waters in the lakes. This leads to moisture from the lakes being pulled into the atmosphere, causing it to form rapidly growing clouds as the air moves over the water bodies. This usually results in narrow but intense bands of snowfall. The water in the Great Lakes is currently seeing record-warm temperatures, which could intensify the effect. One of the most extreme instances of lake-effect snowfall was witnessed in November 2014, when parts of Erie County, New York received nearly 80 inches of snow during the storm, which caused $46 million in damages.
Where Is Snow Forecast?
Forecasters warned of up to 6 feet of snowfall in areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday, including the New York cities of Oswego, Watertown and Lowville, the National Weather Service said. More than 3 feet of snow is expected to accumulate in Northern Erie and Southern Erie counties in Ohio, while other areas in Ohio could experience up to 5 feet, including Ashtabula Inland, Ashtabula Lakeshore and Lake counties. Some parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see up to 3 feet of snow Sunday through Monday, including a region east of Marquette, the agency said.
Big Number
3,947. That’s how many flights in the U.S. were delayed on Friday, in addition to 53 more flights that were canceled, according to FlightAware data. Nearly 80 million people were expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA, including 3 million who were expected to travel by air on Sunday.
Further Reading
A powerful Arctic blast is expected to bring severe winter weather and trigger lake-effect snow across the eastern half of the U.S. this weekend—potentially disrupting post-Thanksgiving travel plans in the region.
Key Facts
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
What Is Lake-Effect Snow?
Lake effect snow is a common weather phenomenon witnessed in the Great Lakes region during winter when cold air from the north moves above the comparatively warmer waters in the lakes. This leads to moisture from the lakes being pulled into the atmosphere, causing it to form rapidly growing clouds as the air moves over the water bodies. This usually results in narrow but intense bands of snowfall. The water in the Great Lakes is currently seeing record-warm temperatures, which could intensify the effect. One of the most extreme instances of lake-effect snowfall was witnessed in November 2014, when parts of Erie County, New York received nearly 80 inches of snow during the storm, which caused $46 million in damages.
Where Is Snow Forecast?
Forecasters warned of up to 6 feet of snowfall in areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday, including the New York cities of Oswego, Watertown and Lowville, the National Weather Service said. More than 3 feet of snow is expected to accumulate in Northern Erie and Southern Erie counties in Ohio, while other areas in Ohio could experience up to 5 feet, including Ashtabula Inland, Ashtabula Lakeshore and Lake counties. Some parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see up to 3 feet of snow Sunday through Monday, including a region east of Marquette, the agency said.
Big Number
3,947. That’s how many flights in the U.S. were delayed on Friday, in addition to 53 more flights that were canceled, according to FlightAware data. Nearly 80 million people were expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA, including 3 million who were expected to travel by air on Sunday.
Further Reading
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