lake-effect snow New York/ Buffalo snowstorm/ Michigan snow forecast/ holiday travel delays/ winter weather alerts/ BUFFALO/ N.Y./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lake-effect snow is set to blanket parts of New York and Michigan, with up to 6 feet forecast east of Lake Ontario and several feet expected near Buffalo. The snowstorm threatens travel disruptions, road closures, and even the Buffalo Bills’ Sunday night game.
New York Prepares for Major Lake-Effect Snowstorm: Quick Looks
- Snowfall Projections: Up to 6 feet near Lake Ontario, 2-3 feet near Buffalo.
- Travel Warnings: Interstate closures and visibility issues for holiday travelers.
- Football Impact: Bills prepare for snowy conditions during Sunday’s game.
- Michigan’s Snowfall: Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula could see 3 feet by Monday.
- State Response: Emergency declared in New York with resources mobilized.
Lake-Effect Snow Targets New York, Disrupts Travel Plans
Deep Look: Lake-Effect Snowstorm Threatens Travel and Football in New York
Winter weather has arrived with a vengeance in New York and Michigan, as a major lake-effect snowstorm threatens to disrupt holiday travel and local events. Areas along lakes Erie and Ontario are bracing for several feet of snow through Monday, with hazardous road conditions and visibility concerns across both states.
Snowfall Totals and Locations
In New York:
- Lake Ontario Region: Watertown and nearby areas could see 4 to 6 feet of snow.
- Buffalo and Lake Erie Region: Projections range from 2 to 3 feet, with snowfall rates up to 4 inches per hour in some places.
In Michigan:
Lake-effect snow develops when warm, moist air from lakes mixes with cold, dry air, producing heavy, localized snowfall. This storm is fueled by lake temperatures about six degrees higher than average, making conditions ripe for intense accumulation.
Travel Disruptions
Holiday travelers are facing major disruptions:
- Road Closures: Parts of Interstate 90, Interstate 86, and Route 219 in western New York were closed or restricted by Friday afternoon.
- Emergency Measures: Snowmobiles and ATVs have been deployed to aid first responders in areas of heavy snow.
Gusty winds near the Great Lakes have further reduced visibility, making road travel treacherous. Officials urged drivers to exercise caution or postpone travel plans where possible.
Buffalo Bills Game Under Threat
The Buffalo Bills are preparing for a snowy showdown Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Highmark Stadium, which could see over 2 feet of snow before kickoff, has called for volunteers to help clear the field.
Despite the challenges, the team remains focused.
“We’re trying to stay on top of it,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “Things change quickly with the weather here.”
The Bills, currently 9-2, are aiming to clinch their fifth straight AFC East title with a win.
Michigan’s Snow Event
Northern Michigan is also feeling the storm’s effects, with the Upper Peninsula experiencing steady lake-effect snowfall through the weekend.
- Accumulation: More than a foot of snow had already fallen by Friday afternoon, with totals reaching 3 feet in some areas by Monday.
- Hazardous Conditions: Gusty winds have reduced visibility, though no major accidents had been reported by Friday evening.
Emergency Responses
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for affected counties, enabling state agencies to mobilize resources. Emergency crews are working to manage road conditions, assist stranded travelers, and ensure public safety.
Outlook
The lake-effect snowstorm is expected to taper off by early next week. However, forecasters predict continued cold and snowy conditions into December, signaling an active start to the winter season.
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