Winter storm warnings are in place as up to 22 inches of snow and 35 mph winds are forecast to blast parts of New York and Michigan from Wednesday, lasting until Friday, in some cases, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
What Is Lake-Effect Snow?
Lake-effect snow forms when cold air flows over a warmer lake surface. As the air moves across the water, it picks up heat and moisture, becomes more buoyant, and then rises. This rising motion produces clouds and often leads to narrow bands of intense snowfall that can dump heavy snow on specific, localized areas. Small changes in wind direction can shift these bands of snow, causing dramatic differences in over very short distances.
The NWS warns that during lake-effect snow, visibility, and road conditions between areas that are just a few miles apart can vary greatly.
States Issued Winter Storm Warnings for Lake-Effect Snow
New York
On Wednesday, the eastern Lake Ontario region could see 35 mph winds, and accumulations of between 3 and 8 inches of snow are expected Wednesday. Lake-effect snowfall is likely to continue into Thursday and Friday, with up to 22 inches of snow expected by Friday night.
This, the NWS warns, will make travel “very difficult,” due to snow-covered roads and limited visibility…