NYC Braces for Arctic Blast and Upstate Snowmageddon

New York City is experiencing a frigid chill, with temperatures significantly lower than usual for this time of year. While city dwellers are facing wind gusts making it feel much colder than the mid-40s highs, upstate New York is facing a different kind of weather emergency.

Upstate New York Hit by Lake-Effect Snow

Significant lake-effect snow is blanketing parts of upstate New York, with some areas expecting up to 4 feet of snow! This blizzard-like condition has prompted warnings from the National Weather Service, who have stated that travel could be extremely difficult or even impossible in affected areas.

Affected areas include: Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, southern Erie, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis and Allegany counties.

The heavy snowfall is expected to continue through the weekend, causing significant travel disruptions. To combat the dangerous conditions, Governor Hochul has implemented a ban on tandem trucks and empty commercial vehicles on certain stretches of the New York State Thruway and other major roads.

What is Lake-Effect Snow?

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over warmer lake water, picking up moisture and creating heavy snowfall downwind. The Great Lakes are a prime location for this phenomenon.

This severe weather event is expected to continue into the weekend, so stay safe and informed!