The season’s first lake-effect snowstorm buried parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, setting records, disrupting travel, and prompting the deployment of the National Guard. One lakeside city even experienced its snowiest day on record.
Although meteorological winter began on Sunday, wintry conditions swept through the Great Lakes region several days earlier. Bitter Arctic air moving over the lakes during Thanksgiving weekend triggered a multiday snow event, dumping several feet of snow across New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, and northeastern Ohio. Michigan and Indiana also saw heavy snowfall, but the areas downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario bore the brunt.
Interstate 90 near Ripley, New York, turned into a gridlock nightmare on Friday as vehicles were stranded overnight on snow-covered roads. A stretch of the highway in Pennsylvania was also temporarily closed due to rapid snow accumulation that overwhelmed plow crews.
Erie, Pennsylvania, made history with its snowiest day on Friday, recording 22.6 inches. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency for Erie County and dispatched the National Guard to assist.
Two regions were especially impacted: the area from northeastern Ohio to western New York downwind of Lake Erie and a section of upstate New York near Lake Ontario. While Buffalo’s downtown remained relatively snow-free, areas just a few miles south were blanketed.
Orchard Park, home to Buffalo’s NFL team, was buried under 26.2 inches of snow. Fans were called upon to help clear the stadium ahead of Sunday’s home game against San Francisco. Despite their efforts, most seats remained snow-covered by kickoff. Snow showers during the game added to the wintry atmosphere as Buffalo secured a playoff spot with a 10-2 record.
In upstate New York, snow totals exceeded 5 feet in some areas, including 60 inches in Montague and 65.5 inches in Barnes Corners.
Despite the massive snowfall over the holiday weekend, no fatalities or major injuries were reported.
Residents face a race against time to clear snow, as another wave of lake-effect snow is expected later this week. A fresh surge of Arctic air will sweep across the Great Lakes and Northeast, bringing high winds that could lead to more blowing and drifting snow than during the previous storm.
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