A significant early-season snowfall is impacting upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, coinciding with the busy holiday travel period. Intense cold and heavy snow are anticipated to continue into next week, posing considerable risks across the Great Lakes, Plains, and Midwest regions.
Emergency declarations have been issued in parts of New York and Pennsylvania due to the severe weather, with officials cautioning Thanksgiving travelers about hazardous conditions.
The National Weather Service warned on Saturday that travel will be severely hampered and dangerous, particularly in areas expecting substantial snowfall accumulation.
Sections of I-90 in Pennsylvania and westbound lanes of the New York Thruway towards Pennsylvania were closed on Saturday. Significant snow accumulation has already occurred, with nearly two feet reported in parts of New York, Ohio, and Michigan, and almost three feet in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Impassable roads in northwestern Pennsylvania forced numerous individuals to seek refuge overnight in a full Holiday Inn hotel. Hotel staff provided shelter and assistance to those stranded.
Hotel staff offered aid, providing food and blankets to those seeking shelter.
Guests collaborated to help each other clear their vehicles.
Sub-zero temperatures, significantly below average, have affected the Northern Plains, prompting cold weather advisories in parts of North Dakota. This frigid Arctic air is expected to reach the eastern U.S. by Monday, bringing below-average temperatures.
Heavy lake-effect snow has impacted parts of Michigan. Lake Superior’s snow bands have resulted in over two feet of snow in sections of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by Saturday afternoon, with some areas reporting even higher totals.
A meteorologist explained the variability of lake-effect snow, noting substantial differences in accumulation across short distances.
Further accumulation of over a foot of snow is predicted for parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through Monday morning.
While the Deep South is not expected to see snowfall, freezing temperatures are anticipated.
A meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Atlanta noted the commencement of winter, highlighting below-freezing temperatures in northern and central Georgia.
Temperatures are projected to rise during the day, but could drop again into the teens in some isolated areas by Tuesday morning.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency in response to the severe weather, noting nearly three feet of snow in parts of Erie County and highlighting the state’s efforts in assisting stranded motorists and ensuring emergency services access.
Pennsylvania State Police responded to nearly 200 incidents within a 24-hour period.
New York state forecasters warned of significant snowfall in areas east of Lake Ontario. Substantial snowfall was also anticipated along Lake Erie and south of Buffalo.
Erie County Public Works Commissioner William Geary attributed the heavy lake-effect snow to warmer-than-average lake temperatures.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, urging impacted residents to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel.
