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Lake-Effect Snow Dumps Over 4 Feet in Great Lakes Area
The great lakes region is snow clad, with more than four feet of snow bringing life to a standstill.
Heavy Cold and Travel Difficulties: The Sunday after Thanksgiving is indeed a disaster for travel in the Great Lakes region, with multiple feet of snowfall making it nearly impossible to move. It is also the day when temperatures fall sharply, with freezing winds affecting daily life intensely. As reported by the National Weather Service, more than 2 million people fall under the winter weather warnings in the area.
The Wrath of Heavy Snowfall: Over the last several days, there have been parts of western New York that have received close to four feet of snow, with Copenhagen reporting 58.8 inches (almost 5 feet) of snow. Warnings of continued snowfall remain in effect over western New York, northeastern Ohio, and northwestern Pennsylvania leading into possible continuation through Tuesday morning.
Widespread Impact of the Cold
Around 70% of the U.S. mainland is experiencing temperatures below 32°F (0°C). Cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Cincinnati are seeing temperatures significantly below average, a trend expected to persist in the coming days.
Cause of Lake-Effect Snow in the Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air passes over relatively warmer water. This time, the Great Lakes’ water is unusually warm, fueling the heavy snowfall.
Efforts by Local Authorities
A state of emergency has been declared in 11 counties of New York. Governors of New York and Pennsylvania have deployed the National Guard to rescue stranded individuals and clear roads. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “Our administration is working round the clock to tackle this snowstorm.”
Difficult Travel and Warnings
The heavy snowfall has made road travel extremely hazardous. Several roads in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio have been closed. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors and only travel if absolutely necessary.
Remarkable Incidents
A woman traveling for a heart transplant was stranded in the snow. Authorities ensured her safe transfer to an airport, from where she was flown to the hospital.
Fans and staff at the Buffalo Bills’ home stadium collaborated to clear the snow, where 24.3 inches had accumulated. Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
By Monday, an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected in parts of Pennsylvania, northern Ohio, and western New York. This intense cold and snowfall have brought back memories of the “winters of the past.”
Conclusion
Lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes region has brought life to a standstill. This disaster highlights the importance of collective efforts by local authorities and citizens during tough times. While conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, it is essential to remain cautious until then.
FAQs
Q.1. What is snow that is generated from the lake?
A.1 The effect of snow around any lake is experienced quite coldly when the airflow passes over water of a very large lake, like that of Great Lakes. Therefore, the evaporating moisture causes the temperature freezing and subsequently dropping, which results in snow that falls from the heavy amounts.
Q.2. What is the reason lakes in that region produce snow?
A.2 Great Lakes make the region conducive to such kind of snowfall, as the vast expanses of water are freezing while the climatic conditions of the region are very cold. Once the cold front from the Arctic retreats away from warm water, it can generate such high temperature differences that accompany very high and very heavy snowfalls.
Q.3. Name the largest snowfall recorded near the Great Lakes.
A.3 Other Great Lakes places have also reported over four feet of snow within just days with the record-holder-Copenhagen, New York-bringing close to five feet (58.8 inches).
