Severe Lake-Effect Snowstorm Paralyzes Great Lakes Communities
A powerful lake-effect snowstorm is wreaking havoc on communities around the Great Lakes, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds, and dangerous travel conditions. The storm has prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency for several counties, including Jefferson and Erie, as the region braces for more severe weather in the coming days.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Buffalo has issued warnings of intense snowfall and strong winds, predicting multiple feet of snow east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario by Friday morning. These conditions have already caused near-whiteout visibility and major disruptions to travel and daily life.
Snowfall Totals and Emergency Declarations
Communities in western New York have experienced some of the heaviest snowfall, with areas like Orchard Park and Eden recording over two feet of accumulation. Hamburg is not far behind, with snowfall reaching 22 inches. In response, Orchard Park declared a local state of emergency and issued a driving ban that remains in effect until further notice. Emergency crews, including highway and public works departments, have been working tirelessly to clear the roads, but conditions remain treacherous.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz confirmed that several towns in the region, including Brant and Evans, have also declared states of emergency. Travel bans are in place across these areas due to low visibility and hazardous road conditions. One incident involved an Erie County Department of Public Works plow truck sliding off Route 20 in the Evans and Hamburg areas, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Rare Thundersnow Phenomenon
Adding to the storm’s intensity, thundersnow has been reported in the Watertown area. This rare weather event, characterized by thunder and lightning during snowfall, indicates highly unstable atmospheric conditions. Thundersnow often brings exceptionally heavy snowfall rates, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
Travel Disruptions and Warnings
Travel has become a nightmare across the region. The New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) is under a tandem and empty tractor-trailer ban from Exit 53 west to the Pennsylvania state line. Similar restrictions apply to portions of Route 5, U.S. 219, N.Y. Route 400, and Interstate 86. Pennsylvania is also feeling the storm’s effects, with travel bans and speed restrictions implemented on interstates 80 and 81, as well as I-90 from the Ohio to New York state lines.
Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced the closure of City Hall on Thursday and emphasized ongoing coordination with state and county officials to address the storm’s impact. Meanwhile, FOX Weather Storm Tracker Corey Gerken described conditions in Hamburg as the worst he’s seen in years, with snowfall so heavy it’s difficult to distinguish roads
Preparations and Safety Measures
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated that his state’s Department of Transportation, State Police, and Emergency Management Agency were mobilized in Erie ahead of the storm. These teams are focused on clearing roads and ensuring residents’ safety.
Governor Hochul urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to local restrictions. “Our first responders and emergency crews are on the ground ready to deal with this storm,” she said. “I urge New Yorkers to take precautions to stay safe.”
As the storm continues to pound the region, more snow and disruptions are expected. Residents are advised to stay updated through local authorities and weather services.
A powerful lake-effect snowstorm is battering the Great Lakes region, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Erie and Jefferson, as some areas have seen over two feet of snow. Travel bans and road closures are in effect, with near-whiteout conditions reported. Rare thundersnow was observed in Watertown, intensifying the storm’s impact. Emergency crews are working to clear roads, but residents are urged to stay home. Pennsylvania is also preparing for impacts, as snowfall continues to disrupt travel and daily life.
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