Severe snowstorm in Erie, Pa. causing airport closure and dangerous driving conditions.
The Great Lakes region is currently experiencing a significant lake-effect storm that is expected to bring heavy snowfall to areas of Michigan, Northern New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The storm, which began earlier in the week, has already brought substantial snow accumulation to some regions and is forecasted to continue through the weekend, causing disruptions to travel plans post-Thanksgiving holiday.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for extreme impacts from the lake-effect storm in Northern New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The severity of the storm may lead to dangerous driving conditions and potential road closures in these areas.
Lake-effect storms occur when cold air passes over warmer bodies of water, resulting in heavy snowfall. These storms typically occur in late fall and early winter, and the current storm is expected to be particularly intense due to the record warmth of the lakes in late November.
Travelers should exercise caution, especially on Interstate 81 in New York and Interstate 90 along the shores of Lake Erie, where hazardous conditions are expected. Erie International Airport in Pennsylvania was closed, and other airports in the region were de-icing aircraft to manage the winter weather conditions.
The first lake-effect snowstorm of the season is anticipated to bring significant snow accumulation, with some areas expecting up to five feet of snow. Buffalo, New York, could receive up to six inches of snow, impacting the upcoming football game between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers.
In addition to the heavy snowfall, an Arctic blast is moving across the Northern Plains and the Midwest, causing temperatures to plummet. Wind chills in parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota are expected to drop to 15 degrees below zero, with the cold weather persisting into the following week.
As the winter weather continues to impact the region, travelers and residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates, exercise caution while driving, and take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during this extreme weather event.
Source: The NY Times
