The United States is bracing for a major winter storm, with blizzard warnings, lake-effect snow, and extremely hazardous travel conditions. Several regions in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachians are expected to see snowfall accumulations of up to 18 inches, accompanied by strong winds and reduced visibility. This storm comes less than a week after exceptional snowfalls in New York State.

Areas Most Affected by Lake-Effect Snow and Blizzards

New York State: Up to 18 Inches of Snow

Starting Thursday night, a winter storm is intensifying across upstate New York. Some areas could receive up to 18 inches (45.72 cm) of snow, particularly in Oswego and Lewis counties, due to lake-effect snow. According to the NWS, “blowing snow from strong winds will drastically reduce visibility”, which will further complicate travel in these areas.

These regions are just recovering from the heavy snowfalls experienced during the Thanksgiving weekend storm, which dropped as much as 5 feet (1.52 metres) of snow in some parts of the state. Ongoing alerts include lake-effect snow warnings, winter storm warnings, and blowing snow advisories, all of which are threatening visibility.

Maryland and West Virginia: Intense Blizzards

Blizzard conditions are especially affecting West Virginia and Maryland, where winds of up to 60 mph (96.56 km/h) are forecasted. These extreme conditions will bring sudden snow squalls and powerful gusts. The National Weather Service warns that “blizzard conditions are likely to make driving extremely dangerous”, due to zero visibility. Local authorities are advising drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. In West Virginia, particularly in Grant and Pendleton counties, accumulations could reach 9 inches (22.86 cm), with especially treacherous conditions in the mountains.

The following provides a summary of the areas that have been affected, along with forecasts for snowfall:

Snowfall Forecasts: A Persistent Storm

Meteorologists are predicting that snow will continue to fall across much of the Northeast and Midwest, with strong gusts sweeping through the affected regions. The lake-effect snow is expected to persist until Friday evening, primarily south and east of the Great Lakes. The NWS states that “snow accumulations will be persistent and will increase the risk of hazardous travel conditions”.

In areas near the Great Lakes, particularly around Buffalo and Rochester, snowfall is expected to reach 12 to 18 inches (45.72 cm), with significant blowing snow on the roads, making travel even more difficult. Weather.com noted that “snow forecasts are continuing to intensify and will result in near-zero visibility”.

Blowing snow warnings will also be in effect, with advisories for strong winds affecting Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Vermont.

Impact on Transportation: Extreme Caution Advised

Weather conditions are likely to make roads impassable. Authorities are urging drivers to delay their trips or stay at home in affected areas. The National Weather Service warns that “conditions will be dangerous, particularly for vehicles traveling on untreated roads”. Major interstates, including Interstate 68, Highway 219, and Interstate 90, will be heavily impacted by blowing snow and snow squalls, which could reduce visibility to near zero at times.