What Are Lake Effect Snow Warnings?
Hey there, let me break it down for you. The National Weather Service in the US issues lake effect snow warnings when heavy snowfall is expected due to lake effect snow. This phenomenon happens when cold air moves across the warm waters of the Great Lakes, creating intense snow bands. It’s like a winter storm factory right in our backyard. These warnings are crucial because they help people prepare for potentially dangerous conditions and stay safe during these weather events.
The Criteria Behind These Warnings
So, how do they decide when to issue a warning? The criteria include snowfall rates, wind speeds, and visibility conditions. For instance, if snowfall is expected to exceed 6 inches in 12 hours or visibility drops below a quarter of a mile, a warning is issued. It’s not just about the snow; it’s also about the impact on travel and daily life. Think of it as a heads-up from Mother Nature herself. And trust me, you don’t want to be caught off guard in these situations.
Four States Brace for Heavy Snow
This weekend, four states—New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Ohio—are bracing for heavy lake effect snow. The National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on the situation, and for good reason. These snow bands can drop feet of snow in just a few hours, making travel nearly impossible and causing power outages. It’s like a snowstorm on steroids, and it’s not something to take lightly.
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What Exactly Is Lake Effect Snow?
Let’s dive into the science behind it. Lake effect snow (LES) is incredibly common in the Great Lakes region during late fall and winter. It happens when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes. The moisture from the lake gets picked up by the cold air, forming clouds and eventually snow. It’s a fascinating process, but one that can cause serious disruptions when it hits land.
Arctic Blast Hits the US
An arctic air mass has taken over much of the US, and it’s bringing some serious weather with it. In Upstate New York, several counties are expecting up to 16 inches of snow and some ice through Friday night. That’s a lot of snow in a short amount of time. If you’re in the area, you’ll want to make sure your snowblower is ready and your emergency kit is stocked. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck without supplies in these conditions.
Latest Snow Projections and Travel Tips
So, what’s the latest on snow projections? Radar is showing some intense snow bands forming over the Great Lakes, and they’re expected to move inland soon. If you’re planning to travel, here are a few tips: check the road conditions before you leave, make sure your car is equipped with snow tires or chains, and consider delaying your trip if the weather looks bad. Safety should always be your top priority.
Lake Effect Snow Warnings in New York
Let’s zoom in on New York for a moment. A lake effect snow warning has been issued for Oswego, Northern Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Madison counties. Heavy snow is predicted, with wind gusts up to 35 mph. That’s a recipe for whiteout conditions, so take it seriously. Winter storm warnings are also in place for Central New York until 4 a.m. Friday. It’s going to be a long night for many folks in the area.
How Much Snow Can We Expect?
Here’s the breakdown for some key areas. In the Buffalo metro area (Northern Erie County), we’re looking at 1 to 2 feet of snow in areas of persistent snowfall, especially in South Buffalo. Jamestown, New York, to Erie to Cleveland could see an additional 6 to 20 inches of snow. Syracuse, New York, is expecting 4 to 7 inches of snow. And in Northern Erie and Genesee counties, the warnings go into effect from 10 a.m. on. It’s a lot of snow, and it’s coming fast.
Wind Patterns and Timing
On Monday night, the winds will shift to more west/southwesterly, which could change the location and intensity of the snow bands. A lake effect snow warning has been issued for Crawford County, starting at noon today and expiring at 7 a.m. Friday. In Chautauqua County, New York, the warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Friday. These warnings are a reminder that lake effect snow can be unpredictable, so stay alert and informed.
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Western New York Under Watch
Over at WKBW, they’ve issued a lake effect snow warning for parts of Western New York. The warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for Erie, Genesee, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and other counties. A lake effect snow warning is also in effect for parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country into the weekend. And don’t forget, a winter weather advisory is in place for parts of the North Country through early Friday morning and Central New York into Thursday.
More Snow on the Way
As we look ahead to December 4, 2024, there’s more snow on the way. The warnings predict 2 to 3 feet of snow in the most persistent lake effect snow bands in Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego. Until Friday at 1 p.m., these warnings will remain in effect. In Northern Erie and Genesee counties, the snowfall could be even heavier. These warnings have been issued for parts of New York bordering Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, as well as a tiny section of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Weather Service Predictions
The Weather Service in Buffalo is calling for 8 inches to 16 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph. FOX Weather’s Storm Tracker Corey Gerken was in Hamburg on Thursday morning and said it was the heaviest snowfall he’d seen in the area in quite a while. Winter storm warnings and advisories have also been issued for Michigan, notably in areas downwind of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. This is shaping up to be a winter to remember, so stay safe and stay warm!
