The first major snowstorm of the season swept across parts of New York and Michigan over the weekend, threatening to disrupt holiday travel and shopping plans as it brought heavy lake-effect snow to the region.
In New York, forecasters warned that up to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) of blowing and drifting snow could accumulate in areas east of Lake Ontario, including Watertown, by Monday. The snowstorm, which began Friday, is expected to continue into the weekend, causing dangerous travel conditions. With an unusually mild fall leading up to the storm, the lake-effect snow was especially intense, with snow bands expected to drop 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of snow per hour. Areas along Lake Erie, south of Buffalo, could see up to 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) of snow as the storm moved through.
The lake-effect snow is caused when warm, moist air rises from the lake and mixes with cold air overhead, leading to heavy snowfall. Erie County’s Public Works Commissioner, William Geary, explained that the lake's temperature was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), which is 6 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year, contributing to the heavy snow.
In response to the dangerous conditions, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for the affected counties, allowing state agencies to mobilize resources. On Friday, rapidly worsening weather led to road closures along Interstate 90, with tandem and commercial vehicles banned from sections of Interstate 86 and US Route 219. Erie County officials reported multiple vehicles going off the road, and snowmobiles and ATVs were positioned to assist first responders if needed.
The Buffalo Bills, facing a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium on Sunday night, called for volunteers to help shovel snow, as more than 2 feet (0.6 meters) of snow was expected by game time. Last year, a similar lake-effect storm forced the NFL to reschedule the Bills' playoff game against Pittsburgh. Despite the snow, the Bills remained focused on the game, with coach Sean McDermott emphasizing that they were preparing for any conditions.
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, lake-effect snow was also causing significant disruptions. The National Weather Service predicted up to 3 feet (1 meter) of snow in some areas from Sunday night to Monday. Gusty winds and low visibility near the Great Lakes made road conditions hazardous, and residents were urged to exercise caution while traveling. As of Friday afternoon, some areas had already received more than a foot (0.3 meters) of snow.
Though no major accidents had been reported, NWS meteorologist Joe DeLizio noted that travel was difficult, with low visibility making it dangerous for drivers on the road. The storm's long duration and strong winds were expected to continue to affect both states through the weekend, with many communities bracing for more snow in the days ahead.
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