Parts of the Great Lakes region faced another round of heavy snowfall Monday, compounding the challenges for storm-weary residents who have been battling snowdrifts for days.
Lake-Effect Snow Wreaks Havoc
Communities in western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, already buried under a foot or more of snow, saw continued lake-effect snowfalls. East of Lake Ontario, over 5 feet of snow had accumulated in just four days, with forecasts predicting more through Tuesday.
Rebecca Chamberlin, a resident of Cassadaga, New York, described the overwhelming snowfall: “It was so much, so quick, that we got buried. If it had been spread out over a week or more, it wouldn’t have been so bad.”
The weight of the snow proved catastrophic in Arkwright, New York, where a barn collapse killed five cows and trapped about 100 others. Officials urged farmers to inspect buildings for structural stress.
Ohio and Michigan Slammed
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, recorded over 4 feet of snow, with more expected. Resident Ryan Colby described the ordeal: “We’ve been hit left and right. I’m shoveling every couple of hours just to keep from getting completely buried.”
In Michigan, a massive crash involving 14 vehicles and three semi-trucks temporarily shut down Interstate 94 amid whiteout conditions. State police blamed the crash on drivers traveling too fast for the snow-covered roads.
Snow Piles Higher Than People
In Copenhagen, New York, where more than 5 feet of snow fell, residents struggled to clear towering snowbanks. Mary Shambo, owner of the Cottage Inn, recounted how locals and truckers sought refuge: “It goes from whiteout conditions to clear, so they would take off when it was clear and hope to God they got to where they needed to go.”
Alaska Joins the Snow Saga
Juneau, Alaska, was hit with 17 inches of snow over the weekend, transitioning to freezing rain Monday. Roads became icy, and schools moved to remote learning. “This system was definitely stronger than what we usually see this time of year,” said meteorologist Greg Spann.
Looking Ahead
While parts of the Great Lakes brace for additional snow through Tuesday, residents hope for a break in the relentless storms. In Juneau, however, an unusual warm-up is on the horizon, with rain and temperatures in the 40s expected later this week. For now, snowplows and shovels remain in constant use as communities dig out from the overwhelming accumulations.
