As the Canadian storm that unleashed heavy lake-effect snow and squalls in the Interstate 95 Northeast moves away, shifting Arctic winds will continue to produce lingering lake-effect snow bands through Saturday, particularly off Lakes Erie and Ontario, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Lingering Lake-Effect Snow
Lake-effect snow began midweek, adding several feet of snow to Great Lakes communities already blanketed by last weekend’s storms. The snow squalls caused hazardous conditions, covering roads and leading to numerous accidents and closures.
While the heaviest lake-effect snowfall has subsided, some snow bands in upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania will persist, making travel slippery.
- Thursday to Friday Morning: Winds from the northwest directed snow bands toward southeastern shores of the Great Lakes, impacting areas from northern Wisconsin and Michigan to northern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, and western and central New York.
- Friday to Saturday: As winds shift to a more westerly direction, the snow bands will consolidate into thicker plumes, producing fresh accumulations of several inches to over a foot. In the most intense bands, AccuWeather predicts a StormMax™ snowfall of 24 inches, potentially causing additional road closures.
Calmer Conditions for Coastal Northeast
Away from the lake-effect snow, the mid-Atlantic and New England regions will experience much drier conditions through Saturday. Winds will also diminish compared to the gusty conditions earlier in the week. However, frigid air remains, and even a light breeze can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Arctic Blast Grips the Southeast
The cold air has also spread into the Southeast, with temperatures plunging into the 20s Friday morning in cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Birmingham, and Columbia. These temperatures are 10–15 degrees below the December average.
The accompanying breeze exacerbates the cold, potentially freezing poorly insulated pipes. The brief Arctic chill poses additional challenges for Hurricane Helene victims in the southern Appalachians, many of whom remain without proper shelter.
Though the frigid conditions are expected to be short-lived, the lingering effects of the storm will keep much of the Northeast and Southeast grappling with wintry weather into the weekend.
