As the Thanksgiving weekend came to a close, a powerful lake-effect snowstorm swept through the Great Lakes region, leaving behind significant snowfall totals and travel disruptions. The National Weather Service reported up to 30 inches of snow in parts of Western New York, particularly in areas around Buffalo, with numerous road closures and accidents reported. Officials warned residents to prepare for challenging driving conditions and to stay indoors as much as possible. “This is why we encourage people to stay off the roads during severe weather events,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. Travel advisories were also issued in Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, where snowfall totals reached 20 inches in some locations. Meteorologists explained that the phenomenon occurs when cold air moves over the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes, resulting in intense snowfall. Amy Wright, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, stated, “The combination of the cold air and warm lake waters creates an ideal setup for lake-effect snowstorms, which can drop several inches of snow in just a few hours.” Many residents took to social media to share images and videos of the snowy scenes, with some parts of the region experiencing whiteout conditions. Beyond travel difficulties, the heavy snow raised concerns about potential power outages, as ice build-up on power lines can lead to downed wires. Utility companies have mobilized crews to respond to outages efficiently. Despite the harsh weather, many families embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving, with reports of community members helping each other dig out from the snow. The forecast indicates that while the snow would taper off early next week, temperatures would remain low, keeping many regions in a winter wonderland.
