ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — U.S. travelers endured challenging weather conditions over the weekend as they returned home after the Thanksgiving festivities. Now, residents in the Great Lakes area are bracing themselves for additional snowfall throughout the week, according to forecasts.
Meteorologists predict that snow will blanket parts of the region from late Sunday into Monday morning, with further snowfall anticipated on Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by gusty winds and freezing temperatures, the National Weather Service stated. This past weekend, substantial lake-effect snow piled up in upstate New York, with areas near Lake Ontario experiencing close to four feet (1.2 meters) of snow, along with significant snowfall in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Lake-effect snow occurs when warm, moist air moves across a body of water, interacts with colder air, and results in concentrated bands of heavy snowfall on land.
In Buffalo, New York, fans showed their mettle during the NFL game on Sunday night, facing off against the San Francisco 49ers amidst snow flurries and frigid temperatures. The Buffalo Bills organization announced they would offer $20 per hour to locals who helped shovel snow at the stadium, along with providing food and warm drinks. The winter storm began impacting Orchard Park’s vicinity on Saturday, and although it shifted south of the stadium by noon on Sunday, flurries persisted throughout the day, increasing just before game time. The game commenced with temperatures at 27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3 degrees Celsius), feeling even colder with wind chill around 17 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 8 degrees Celsius). Late-season home games for the Bills often come with these chilling elements.
Tim LoTemple, a devoted season-ticket holder from Rochester and a proud member of the “Bills Mafia” fanbase, noted that such icy weather can invigorate both players and fans alike. He mentioned that compared to previous games at Highmark Stadium, the conditions were relatively mild. “We love snow over here. You know how Bills Mafia is, we embrace the cold,” he shared from a tailgating party in the parking lot. “This is nothing compared to what we’ve seen before.”
On the other hand, Jake Dyer, visiting from Southern California, found the cold a surprising challenge for his visit to an outdoor game. “The only thing I didn’t prepare for was shoes. I double up on everything else, but my feet are cold,” he admitted. “I have mad respect for anyone who comes out here. It’s easy to stay home in a comfy chair and watch the game.”
The New York governor’s office announced that another 1 to 2 feet (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) of snow was anticipated in western New York, with northern parts of the state expecting an even higher accumulation of 2 to 3 additional feet.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted that a blast of Arctic air plunged temperatures across the Northern Plains, dipping 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average last week. This frigid air is now moving toward the eastern U.S., where temperatures are expected to be about 10 degrees colder than usual.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro declared a state of emergency, having noted that parts of Erie County received nearly 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow, with more forecasted through Monday night. Consequently, Erie City Hall plans to remain closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday due to the snow emergency.
Michigan also faced harsh winter conditions, with areas of the Upper Peninsula blanketed in lake-effect snow as the bands from Lake Superior dumped over 2 feet (61 centimeters) in some locations, according to meteorologist Lily Chapman. For example, 27 inches (69 centimeters) of snow fell just northeast of Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula, with additional snow expected in the eastern region.
Elsewhere in the region, a light dusting of snow graced parts of eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, adding to the picturesque setting for the holiday decorations and conveniently allowing road crews to prepare for winter driving conditions. As temperatures in the Appalachians are predicted to dip between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12 to minus 7 degrees Celsius) in the coming days, residents should stay vigilant during this winter weather period.