Heavy Snowfall Hits New York and Michigan, Disrupts Travel and Daily Life
Snowfall Warnings Issued for Parts of New York State
Black Friday was giving way to a white weekend in parts of New York state, with the first big snow of the season threatening to bury towns along lakes Erie and Ontario. Forecasters warned 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday.
Lake-Effect Snow Expected to Cause Disruptions
As much as 2 to 3 feet of snow were possible along Lake Erie and south of Buffalo from lake-effect bands notorious for pummeling the region with snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour. Lake-effect snow happens when warm moist air rising from a body of water mixes with cold dry air overhead.
Emergency Declarations and Travel Restrictions
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for the targeted counties, allowing state agencies to mobilize resources. Rapidly deteriorating conditions Friday caused closures along Interstate 90, and tandem and commercial vehicles were banned from Interstate 86 in western New York and much of state Route 219 beginning Friday afternoon.
Efforts to Keep Up with the Snow
Erie County’s deputy director for preparedness and homeland security, Gregory Butcher, said ATVs and snowmobiles were being placed around the county to help first responders if necessary. The Buffalo Bills called for volunteers to shovel snow at Highmark Stadium, where over 2 feet of snow was possible before Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Preparations for the Game
"It’s going to be slow going, there’s no doubt about that," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. The team was preparing to play in any conditions, with coach Sean McDermott saying, "We’re trying to stay on top of it. You guys know things change around here quickly with the weather coming off the lake and everything."
Snowfall in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Lake-effect snow also covered parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with some places already measuring more than a foot of snow. National Weather Service meteorologist Lily Chapman said, "We’ve got this westerly, northwesterly flow regime and this chilly air mass over the U.P. So it’s a pretty good setup for this long duration lake-effect snowfall event." Some areas of the Upper Peninsula could see up to 3 feet of snow Sunday night through to Monday.
Conclusion
A major snowstorm is affecting the northeastern United States, causing disruptions to travel and daily life. Heavy snowfall is expected to continue in parts of New York and Michigan, with lake-effect snow causing significant disruptions to transportation and daily activities. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
FAQs
- Q: What is lake-effect snow?
A: Lake-effect snow is a type of snowfall that occurs when warm moist air rising from a body of water mixes with cold dry air overhead, resulting in heavy snowfall rates.
Q: How much snow is expected to fall in New York?
A: Forecasters warn 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday.
Q: Are there any travel restrictions in place?
A: Yes, tandem and commercial vehicles were banned from Interstate 86 in western New York and much of state Route 219 beginning Friday afternoon.
Q: How is the Buffalo Bills preparing for the game?
A: The team is preparing to play in any conditions, with coach Sean McDermott saying, "We’re trying to stay on top of it. You guys know things change around here quickly with the weather coming off the lake and everything."
