The I-90 and I-79 corridors have been heavily affected due to the lake effect snow on November 29, 2024, but the weather forecast states that the same is likely to continue for some time. As per Yahoo News, Interstate 90 in New York has been closed from Pennsylvania to Hamburg.
A video posted by X account Rawalerts showed drivers stranded on I-90 as it had been shut down due to dangerous travel conditions. It mentioned that whiteout conditions had led to several accidents and several areas are expected to be under 60 inches of snow. A report by WKYC Channel 3 stated,
“This is gonna be a day where we are gonna be looking at crippling impacts be due to intense heavy snow, lake effect snow. So, you really wanna avoid all travel in the primary snow belt in particular I-90, any stretches of I-90 getting closer to the Pennsylvania state line. It’s gonna be a no go.”
Lake effect snow forms when cold and dry air moves over relatively warm, large water bodies. Typically occurring from late autumn to early winter, this process involves frigid air absorbing warmth and moisture from the lakes, causing it to rise and condense into clouds. These clouds often form narrow bands, leading to intense snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour in some areas.
Warnings were in place for northeast Ohio counties, Erie County, Crawford County, and Chautauqua County in southwest New York as the snow band gradually shifted north. Erie County and parts of Chautauqua County could see an additional 12 to 28 inches of snow by November 30, 2024 noon.
Warming shelters have been set up keeping in the adversities of lake effect snow
Reportedly, the Fairfield Hose Company and North East Fire Departments have set up warming centers for people. Stranded motorists were taken to the Melon Heritage Foundation at 16 West Division Street in North East, which gave shelter to 130 people. Fairfield’s firehouse at 4896 East Lake Road also accommodated over 70 individuals.
According to The New York Post, some areas of the Upper Peninsula are expected to receive up to 3 feet of snow from Sunday night into Monday due to unusually warm lake temperatures, intensifying lake-effect snowfall. Erie County officials anticipate additional heavy snow events in the coming weeks.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for affected counties due to lake effect snow, enabling state agencies to deploy resources. Snowmobiles and ATVs were stationed throughout Erie County to assist first responders.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills sought volunteers to clear snow from Highmark Stadium, where over 2 feet of snow was expected ahead of their Sunday night game against the San Francisco 49ers.
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Amidst everything, western New York’s ski resorts are gearing up for their first significant snowfall of the season, much to the delight of skiers. Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, about 50 miles south of Buffalo, announced plans to open next Thursday, with heavy snowfall anticipated in the coming days.
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