An Arctic cold front is sweeping across much of the U.S. this weekend, bringing intense lake-effect snow to states like Pennsylvania and New York and freezing temperatures as far south as the Florida Panhandle.
Winter Alerts in Effect
Winter weather warnings, including lake-effect snow advisories, are in place for Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. These alerts are expected to last through Monday evening.
The cold air moving over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes is creating heavy snow bands, especially in areas like Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York.
Snow and Freeze Warnings
- Watertown, New York: The heaviest snow is expected here, with forecasts predicting 3 to 5 feet of snow.
- Dunkirk, New York: More than 3 feet of snow is likely.
- Buffalo, New York: Northern parts of Erie County, including Buffalo, are expected to see only a few inches of snow, but southern areas could get up to 4 feet.
In addition to snow, freeze warnings are in place for over 13 million people across nine southern states, with below-freezing temperatures reaching northern Florida.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for nearly a dozen counties in western New York. The storm is expected to cause hazardous travel conditions, road closures, power outages, and disruptions.
Local officials, including Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, are urging residents to stay off the roads. “If you don’t need to drive, stay home. Whiteout conditions will make driving extremely dangerous,” he said. Parts of Interstate 90 near the Pennsylvania border are already closed.
Impact on the Buffalo Bills Game
The Buffalo Bills’ Sunday night game could be challenging for fans, as 20 to 30 inches of snow is expected at the stadium before kickoff. While the team plans to clear the snow, getting to the game may still be difficult. Fans should prepare for wind chills in the teens.
A Familiar Challenge
Despite the severity of the storm, Poloncarz reassured residents that Western New Yorkers are used to handling heavy snow. “We’ll get through this if we’re careful,” he said.
If you’re in the affected areas, be prepared, stay safe, and avoid unnecessary travel.