Lansing, Michigan – As a ferocious snowfall looms over parts of the Great Lakes region, millions of holiday travelers across the United States face the impending blast of bitter Arctic air. The plummeting temperatures will spread across much of the eastern US in the coming days, affecting regions from Minnesota down to Texas.
The arrival of frigid winds around the Great Lakes will initiate the season’s first major lake-effect snow event, with more than 6 million people under winter weather alerts bracing for potentially significant snow accumulations. Snowfall totals in areas like Buffalo and Watertown, New York, could reach up to 5 feet, causing widespread travel disruptions and hazards.
Authorities in northern Michigan have issued warnings of dangerous travel conditions, with visibility expected to decrease in parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York due to heavy lake-effect snow. The National Weather Service predicts that travel interruptions may persist through Monday, as several feet of snow are anticipated to accumulate east of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
In response to the looming snowstorm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in 11 counties, including Erie County, where Buffalo is situated. State and local authorities have taken preemptive measures to manage the heavy snow, closing sections of major roadways like I-90 and I-86 in New York and Pennsylvania to ensure public safety and snow removal efforts.
The combination of brisk winds and plummeting temperatures presents life-threatening conditions across the central US. Wind chills in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota could drop below -15 degrees, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for extreme cold weather. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to minimize the risk of exposure-related injuries like hypothermia and frostbite.
As the wintry blast unfolds, forecasters predict some of the coldest temperatures since mid-February across nearly 70% of the nation, with freeze watches in place for approximately 15 million people spanning from Texas to South Carolina. The National Weather Service recommends delaying travel arrangements in heavily impacted areas to prevent accidents and delays due to snow-covered roads and limited visibility.
While travel disruptions and snow-related challenges are expected to persist in the Great Lakes region, other parts of the country are relatively unaffected by severe weather conditions this weekend. However, authorities advise caution and preparation for residents navigating wintry weather in areas where freezing temperatures and inclement conditions are anticipated.