BUFFALO, N.Y. — The initial significant snowfall of the season has covered regions of New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan over the bustling U.S. holiday weekend, with expectations of freezing temperatures and heavy snow continuing into the early part of the week. This weather is forecasted to create potential hazards across the Great Lakes, Plains, and Midwest areas.
The snowstorm prompted emergency declarations in certain areas of New York and a disaster announcement for parts of Pennsylvania. Officials cautioned travelers returning home during Thanksgiving about dangerous conditions.
An influx of Arctic air has led to severely low temperatures, ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below the seasonal average across the Northern Plains, as reported by the weather service. Cold advisories have been issued for parts of North Dakota, with the frigid air anticipated to permeate into the eastern third of the U.S. by Monday, driving temperatures around 10 degrees below normal.
Regions of New York, Ohio, and Michigan have recorded nearly 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow, while Pennsylvania’s northwestern corner saw accumulations of 29 inches (73 centimeters). The National Weather Service indicated that travel conditions would be profoundly challenging and hazardous this weekend, particularly in areas where snow is falling heavily and accumulating rapidly.
An update from the weather service on Saturday afternoon highlighted that the most significant snowfall would likely occur downwind of lakes Erie and Ontario, affecting regions from northeastern Ohio and far northwest Pennsylvania to western New York State, including areas within northwest New York.
In a telephone interview with WWNY-TV, New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that the state had taken preparations for the storm days in advance. Snowplows and thousands of workers were deployed, and cooperation with utility providers was established. Personnel from other areas of the state were also assigned to assist.
“I understand this is something they are accustomed to handling, but it’s important they know we are there with reinforcements to ensure everyone can travel safely, especially during such a busy holiday period,” she explained.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro enacted a disaster emergency proclamation due to the nearly 2 feet (1 meter) of snow fallen in Erie County with further accumulations forecasted through Monday night. Pennsylvania State Police reported nearly 200 incidents from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Parts of I-90 in Pennsylvania along with westbound lanes of the New York Thruway toward Pennsylvania were closed.
Travel in the city of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been restricted to emergency responders and essential personnel due to the extensive snowfall and slippery conditions that resulted in vehicles being stuck at intersections and streets. Residents were advised to stay indoors and allow emergency services to clear the streets.
With some roads in northwestern Pennsylvania becoming impassable, many travelers found refuge in the lobby and hallways of a Holiday Inn near I-90. Hotel staff member Jeremiah Weatherley mentioned that they opened a conference room and provided blankets to those seeking shelter. “They just showed up, and we don’t want to turn people away,” he stated.
In Buffalo, the NFL’s Bills took to hiring snow shovelers for their stadium in preparation for the winter season, including before Sunday night’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The team announced a compensation of $20 per hour along with food and hot beverages for the workers.
Meanwhile, parts of Michigan experienced intense lake-effect snow, a phenomenon where warm, moist air from the lake interacts with colder air above. This resulted in significant snowfall in areas of the Upper Peninsula, with reports of 2 feet (61 centimeters) or more. Meteorologist Lily Chapman from the National Weather Service office in Marquette noted that areas northeast of Ironwood recorded 27 inches (69 centimeters) while Munising, in the east, saw another 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow.
Lake-effect snow is projected to add over a foot (30.5 centimeters) in the eastern Upper Peninsula by Monday morning, with regions farther west receiving 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) or more.
In Gaylord, Michigan, a record 24.8 inches (63 centimeters) of snow fell on Friday, marking a new single-day record for the city, surpassing the previous record set back in March 1942. The snowfall was viewed positively by Treetops Resort, which spans 80 acres (32 hectares) of ski terrain among 2,000 acres (809 hectares). Recreation Director Doug Hoeh mentioned that this snowfall would aid their snowfall base, which will be enhanced with snowmaking machines before the season starts next weekend.
“When you receive such a large amount of snowfall, it’s fantastic for the ski hills; however, it poses challenges for the parking areas, so we’re currently working on clearing that out,” Hoeh added.
