The winter season continues to test residents of upstate New York as lake-effect snow blankets the region, piling up over 2 feet in some areas. Constableville, New York, recorded a staggering 24 inches of fresh snow by Tuesday evening, bringing its total for the winter to nearly 10 feet. Other towns, including Martinsburg and Irving, also experienced significant snowfall, with accumulations of 18 inches and 14.4 inches, respectively.
This snowstorm, fueled by cold air passing over the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes, delivered intense and persistent snow bands that wreaked havoc on travel. The New York State Thruway Authority reported treacherous driving conditions south of Buffalo due to heavy snowfall and low visibility. Near Irving, a semi-truck became stuck in deep snow on State Route 20, requiring rescue by local responders.
Travel Chaos and Whiteout Conditions
Exclusive footage from FOX Weather Storm Tracker Corey Gerken highlighted the challenges faced by drivers as he assisted in rescuing stranded vehicles. Meanwhile, near Angola, New York, another storm tracker, Brandon Copic, captured near-whiteout conditions, emphasizing the severity of the storm.
In Syracuse, a Winter Weather Advisory remained in effect as snow bands extended southeastward off Lake Ontario, contributing to brief but intense snow squalls. The storm’s reach stretched beyond New York, with central Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey bracing for potential snow showers.
Regional Impact and Record Snowfalls
Watertown, south of Lake Ontario, has seen over 5.5 feet of snow this season, while Erie, Pennsylvania, reported an impressive 86.1 inches. In contrast, Buffalo, typically known for heavy snowfall, has recorded just 29.7 inches this winter, a significant disparity.
The storm’s impact wasn’t limited to New York. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and western shores, including Petoskey, recorded snowfall totals of up to 11 inches. As the lake-effect snow tapered off late Wednesday, forecasters warned of another potential snow event a fast-moving clipper system expected to arrive Thursday night, potentially compounding travel woes.
Safety Precautions and Winter Survival
Lake-effect snow events, while mesmerizing in their intensity, pose significant hazards. Authorities urge residents and travelers to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through reliable weather updates. Driving in such conditions requires extreme caution, as visibility can drop to near zero in an instant.
This latest storm Lake-Effect Snow Blankets Parts of New York serves as a stark reminder of winter’s power and unpredictability, leaving communities to brace for what’s next in this already eventful season.
