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Black Friday turned into a white weekend in the U.S. Great Lakes thanks to lake-effect snow conditions. AAA said a record 80 million people traveled by plane, train and car this holiday weekend, but weather warnings for the Great Lakes region have canceled much of that travel. In some areas, up to 50 inches of snow fell on the slopes, and several more inches are expected to fall by Tuesday.
CNN reports that more than 70 percent of the U.S. will experience frost this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) said temperatures from the northern Plains to the Ohio Valley and the eastern third of the country will be 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit below average. Within the cold zone, three states (Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York) received a snow warning from the lake, and whether that snow actually fell.
Snow with lake effect occurs when cold air moves over warm water. Due to geography, this type of weather is common in the Great Lakes area in the fall and winter months. The NWS says the cold air usually comes from Canada, and when it hits the unfrozen Great Lakes, which are relatively warm, a mixture of air and moisture create a narrow band of clouds that can produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour. This weekend’s predictions offered more and were scarily accurate.
A state of emergency has been declared in nearly a dozen counties in Buffalo, New York. According to WBFOThe announcement was made by New York State Governor Cathy Hochul and took effect Friday afternoon. For example, the Watertown area, which had expected more than 70 inches of snow, had received 46 inches by early Sunday. CNN forecasters say another foot or two is possible early in the week.
Governor Hochul said that in preparation for snowover 4,000 NY DOT and Thruway employees were trained, along with 2,100 snow plows and 126,000 tons of salt. The introduction of a state of emergency allows for additional support from the National Guard, utility workers and other agencies.
A code blue is also in effect for the city of Buffalo and Erie County and will be lifted at the same time as the lake effect warnings. The advisory, which is issued when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below, means that assistance, transportation and shelter will be available for those left homeless or in a housing emergency.
And no, the outdoor Highmark Stadium, which will host Sunday night’s NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, is not considered a warming center, with tonight’s temperature expected to be a balmy 28 degrees before the wind freezes your face .
Similarly, Erie, Pennsylvania, had a snow emergency on Friday. Almost 30 centimeters of snow fell in the last 48 hours, with a a one-day record of 22.6 inches at Erie International Airport. According to Erie News NowThe National Guard was called in to help the rescuers killed drivers.
Unnecessary trips are prohibited. Although some parts of a Interstates 90, 86 and 79 have reopenedmany sections remain closed and unsafe. Travel restrictions to, from, and within the Great Lakes region also remain in effect.
If you must travel by car, go ahead slowly and steadily. The NWS office in Cleveland drivers are strongly encouraged to be prepared and have a winter storm kit in their vehicles in case they get into trouble or are stranded. The kit should include flashlights, jumpers, shovels, chains, blankets and extra clothing.
How are your own holiday trips going? Leave a comment or email us at tips@thedrive.com.
