Heavy Lake-Effect Snow Continues to Pummel Great Lakes Region, Prompting Emergency Measures

Over four million people across five states remained under winter storm alerts on Sunday as intense lake-effect snow blanketed the Great Lakes region, prompting emergency declarations and the deployment of National Guard troops to assist stranded motorists.

The snowfall, which began on Thursday, has been relentless, especially in western New York. The region, which has already been buried under more than 40 inches of snow, is bracing for an additional 24 inches from Sunday into Monday. States under winter alerts include New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Buffalo Faces Heavy Snowfall

A lake-effect snow warning persisted from Cleveland, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York, on Sunday. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for 11 counties, including Erie County, home to Buffalo.

“More heavy snowfall is expected across western and central New York through Sunday night and into Monday, with rates reaching up to 4 inches per hour,” Hochul stated on Sunday.

The snowstorm has left parts of the state buried under significant accumulations. By Sunday morning, Barns Corner in Lewis County recorded 45 inches of snow, while Perrysburg in Cattaraugus County and Copenhagen in Lewis County measured 37.6 inches and 36.5 inches, respectively.

Hochul warned that an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow could accumulate in western New York, with the heaviest deposits anticipated in northern Chautauqua and south-central Erie counties. The North Country region could see 2 to 3 feet of additional snow, particularly from northern Tug Hill to Watertown.

The Science Behind Lake-Effect Snow

Lake-effect snow, a common phenomenon during this time of year, occurs when cold air passes over relatively warmer lake waters, producing narrow, intense bands of snowfall.

According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, “An intense lake-effect band across Watertown and Jefferson County will continue to produce snowfall rates of 3-4 inches per hour today.”

Efforts to Clear Snow at Highmark Stadium

In Orchard Park, a Buffalo suburb, the Buffalo Bills prepared to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night amid a challenging snow cleanup effort at Highmark Stadium. Over 18 inches of snow had already fallen at the stadium, with more expected before the 8:20 p.m. kickoff.

The snow was so overwhelming that the Bills sought volunteers to help with removal, offering $20 an hour along with food and hot beverages.

Governor Hochul praised the efforts of first responders, saying, “As New Yorkers face the ongoing impacts of lake-effect snow, first responders are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our communities. With tonight’s kickoff in our sights, we are doing everything we can to clear roads, assess damage, and provide resources to state and local partners.”

Travel advisories were issued for Jefferson, Lewis, and portions of Erie County. Additionally, lake-effect snow was predicted to reach central New York and parts of the Mohawk Valley region by Sunday afternoon, bringing 4 to 10 inches of snow to central New York and 3 to 5 inches to the Mohawk Valley.

The New York Department of Transportation also restricted certain commercial vehicles. Empty and tandem trucks were banned on I-86 between the Pennsylvania state line and I-390, as well as on State Route 219 from the Pennsylvania state line to I-90.

To address potential road and power emergencies, Hochul announced the deployment of additional personnel alongside National Guard members.

Pennsylvania Mobilizes National Guard

In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency and dispatched National Guard troops to Erie County to rescue stranded motorists.

“At the county’s request, I’ve called in the Pennsylvania National Guard—who are now on the ground—to help any stranded drivers and ensure emergency responders can reach those in need,” Shapiro said.

Between Friday and Saturday, Pennsylvania State Police responded to over 200 traffic incidents. Erie County Executive Brenton Davis said the local disaster emergency would remain in effect until midweek.

Davis added that county buildings, including courthouses, would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, with officials advising school districts to do the same. He also urged residents to limit travel during the storm.

Record-Breaking Snowfall Across the Region

The heavy snow has shattered records across the region. Gaylord, Michigan, experienced its snowiest day on record on Friday, with 24.8 inches falling. This surpassed its previous record of 17 inches, set on March 9, 1942.

In an image shared by the New York Department of Transportation, a snowplow worked to clear a heavily blanketed road, underscoring the severity of the storm’s impact on infrastructure.

Counties in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have similarly reported substantial snowfall totals, as the Arctic blast continues to wreak havoc.

The combined efforts of state and local authorities, first responders, and volunteers remain focused on minimizing the storm’s disruption and ensuring public safety as the region braces for additional snowfall in the coming days.