Heavy snowfall is expected in the Great Lakes region this week, with lake-effect snow warnings across New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service warnings, which are in place until varying times, highlight driving conditions as particularly hazardous.
In late fall and winter, lake-effect snow is a common occurrence in the Great Lakes region.
“Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere. The air rises, clouds form and grow into narrow band that produces 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more,” the NWS said on its website.
In all states, drivers are warned to consider delaying travel plans. If you must travel, the NWS advises carrying food, water and an extra flashlight in your car in case of an emergency.
Carolyn Thompson/AP Photo
New York
Across Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, lake-effect snow warnings are in place until 7 p.m. on December 3, as snow accumulations of between 12 and 24 inches are expected.
In these counties, which include the cities of Jamestown and Olean, the NWS warns that travel will be significantly affected by deep snow cover and visibility may occasionally be below a quarter of a mile. In these counties, the agency forecasts that heavy snow will fall in narrow bands.
In southern Erie and Oswego Counties, the lake-effect snow warnings are in effect until 7 p.m. on December 2.
In Oswego County, the NWS warns that whiteout conditions will make travel “potentially life-threatening.”
Drivers are warned to delay all travel, and those who must travel should do so with extreme caution and with a storm kit that contains tire chains, booster cables, a shovel and a flashlight.
Ohio
In Erie County, Ohio, a lake-effect snow warning is in place until 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Between 10 and 20 inches of heavy snow accumulations are expected in the north of the county, while between 12 and 24 inches are expected in the south.
Commutes on Monday morning and evening will be heavily affected, and the NWS warns drivers that “roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.”
In Ashtabula and Lake Counties, lake snow warnings are in place until 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
“Lake-effect snow will continue heavy at times tonight through Tuesday morning. The snow will not be as heavy as previous days, but snowfall rates will still reach 1 inch per hour in the heaviest bands. This will bring storm total snow accumulations to 4 to 6 feet in areas closest to the lakeshore, where 30 to 50 inches has already fallen since Thursday night,” the NWS warns.
There are also lake-effect snow warnings in place across Cuyahoga, Geauga and Crawford Counties until 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
For Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties, the Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are urging drivers to delay all unnecessary travel and pay heed to restrictions.
Pennsylvania
Lake-effect snow warnings are in place across Warren and McKean Counties until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, with travel expected to be “very difficult to impossible.” The NWS warns that the Monday morning and evening commutes may be affected.
In McKean County, between 2 and 8 inches of snow are expected. In Warren County, between 4 and 10 inches are expected. However, in both counties, an excess of 1 foot could fall north of Route 6.