GREAT LAKES REGION — A classic lake-effect snow setup is coming together across the Great Lakes as a surge of arctic air pours over relatively warm lake waters, setting the stage for localized but potentially extreme snowfall across parts of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York over the next several days.
Forecast data shows narrow, fast-moving snow bands developing downwind of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, with additional impacts expected east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. While some communities may see little more than flurries, others just a few miles away could pick up half a foot to more than a foot of snow in a short period of time.
Why Lake-Effect Snow Is About to Intensify
Lake-effect snow forms when very cold air crosses over warmer lake waters, allowing moisture to rapidly rise and freeze into snow. In this case, model guidance shows strong temperature contrasts, favorable wind alignment, and deep cold air — a combination that often leads to high snowfall rates within tight corridors…