Heavy snowfall will continue to affect parts of the Northeast and upper Midwest this week, causing dangerous travel conditions and prompting emergency declarations in several areas.
The Great Lakes region, which has experienced lake effect snow since last week, is expected to see continued heavy snow through Monday and Tuesday, with another round possibly arriving later in the week. In addition to the snow, the region will face an Arctic blast, plunging temperatures into single digits and teens in the Northern Plains and other areas.
Lake effect snow occurs when cold air from Canada moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, causing moisture and heat to rise into the atmosphere. This results in intense snowstorms, with some areas receiving more than 2 inches of snow per hour.
In northwestern Pennsylvania, particularly Erie County, snowfall has already reached 24 to 30 inches since Saturday. Lake effect snow warnings are in effect until Tuesday morning, with some areas expected to receive up to 24 inches of additional snow. The National Weather Service warns of whiteout conditions, which will make travel dangerous and could lead to life-threatening situations.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency in Erie County on Saturday, mobilizing the National Guard to assist with stranded drivers and deliver aid to those affected. State and local emergency teams have been working to help residents and keep roads clear.
In New York, western counties remain under lake effect snow warnings through Monday night, with Jefferson County expecting an additional 12 to 18 inches of snow. Some areas, such as Cassadaga, have already seen more than 3 feet of snow. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also declared a state of emergency for several counties, including Erie County, home to Buffalo, and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
In Michigan and Ohio, lake effect snow continues to blanket northern areas, with up to 18 inches of snow expected by Monday morning. Travel in these areas will also be hazardous, with some regions already experiencing snowfalls of up to 2 to 3 feet.
Weather officials caution that the snow will continue through the week, with the potential for more snow and strong wind gusts in some areas. Residents are advised to stay off the roads whenever possible and prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.