Winter keeps hitting hard in New York and parts of Pennsylvania. Nearly 1 million residents are under Lake-Effect Snow Warnings this Tuesday. Areas south of Buffalo, Erie in Pennsylvania, and Watertown near Lake Ontario are in the danger zone.
More snow on the way
More snow is on the way. Heavier snowfall is expected to hit later Tuesday. On Monday, a first wave of lake-effect snow already caused havoc. Low visibility on Interstate 90 led to dangerous travel conditions. These snow bursts create sudden whiteouts and gusty winds, making driving treacherous.
State prepares for the worst
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is on high alert. Over the weekend, she announced that crews are gearing up for the storm. “We are closely monitoring the lake-effect snow system moving through parts of our state and doing everything we can to make sure we are prepared,” Hochul said in a statement.
Snow bands pummel the region
Several intense snow bands formed Monday night into Tuesday morning. The areas north and south of Buffalo, as well as regions near Syracuse and Watertown, were hit the hardest. According to the FOX Forecast Center, more snow will blanket these zones later in the day.
The southern shore of Lake Erie, from Erie to Buffalo, faces significant snowfall. The eastern shore of Lake Ontario, including the Tug Hill Plateau and Watertown, will also get buried. Snowfall totals in these areas could exceed a foot. South of Watertown, over 2 feet of snow is likely to accumulate in the Tug Hill Plateau.
Snow hits hard and fast
This winter’s pattern has unleashed frequent and intense snow events. Monday’s snow band, for instance, caused chaos just south of Buffalo during rush hour. Several crashes and traffic jams clogged Interstate 90. These events keep piling up snow at record speeds.
Erie has already faced a staggering 82.4 inches of snow this season. Buffalo, in comparison, has seen less, with 29.7 inches so far, reports the National Weather Service. Watertown isn’t far behind, tallying over 5.5 feet of snow this winter. This week’s storm will add even more to these totals.
Snow extends beyond New York
The snowstorm isn’t stopping at the New York border. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the state’s western shores along Lake Michigan are also in the storm’s path. These regions should prepare for similar conditions.
Four snowstorms and counting
This marks the fourth major lake-effect snow event for New York’s snowbelt this season. Though not as intense as earlier storms, this week’s snow will still make a big impact. Erie, Buffalo, and Watertown should brace for more disruptions as winter continues its relentless grip.
Stay tuned for updates as this powerful snowstorm unfolds.
