Up to 4 feet of lake-effect snow possible in Western New York

Key Concepts

• Lake-Effect Snow: Snowfall generated by air passing over relatively warm lake water, picking up moisture and depositing it as snow on the leeward shores.
• Blizzard-like Conditions: Conditions resembling a blizzard, characterized by sustained high winds and significant snowfall reducing visibility.
• Wind Gusts: Sudden, brief increases in wind speed.
• Winter Storm Warning: A forecast warning of severe winter weather conditions, including heavy snow, ice, or strong winds.

Northeast Winter Storm – Current Conditions and Impacts

A significant winter storm impacting the plains and Great Lakes regions has extended its effects into the Northeast, specifically upstate New York and the Syracuse area. The primary hazard is heavy snowfall, with forecasts predicting accumulations of 2 to 4 feet across much of upstate New York throughout the week. New York State Emergency officials have issued warnings regarding near blizzard-like conditions, particularly in counties surrounding Syracuse.

Syracuse – On-the-Ground Reporting

CBS News correspondent Ian Lee is reporting live from Syracuse, New York, describing conditions as “blizzard-like.” He highlighted the intensity of the snowfall, noting that the cold temperatures and continued accumulation are causing significant disruptions. A practical demonstration of the severity was the temporary freezing of the broadcast camera due to the extreme conditions.

Power Outages and Wind Speeds

The storm is causing widespread power outages, attributed to strong winds. In Buffalo, New York, wind gusts have reached 79 miles per hour in the past 24 hours, while Syracuse has experienced gusts up to 52 miles per hour. These high winds are directly responsible for knocking down power lines and disrupting electricity service to residents.

Transportation Impacts and Safety Concerns

Road conditions are described as “treacherous” due to the heavy snowfall. Reports indicate vehicles leaving roadways and multiple traffic accidents, including an incident involving a snow plow going off the road. Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads, and most are complying, resulting in unusually quiet conditions for a typical day. The timing of the storm is somewhat mitigated by the current school holiday break, preventing further disruption to education.

Forecast and Duration

The winter storm warning is currently in effect until tomorrow morning, indicating that the severe weather is expected to persist for at least another day. Ian Lee reported that Syracuse is expected to receive approximately two feet of additional snowfall.

Concluding Remarks

The winter storm poses a significant threat to the Northeast, particularly upstate New York. The combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and resulting power outages creates hazardous conditions. Authorities are advising residents to remain indoors and avoid travel until the storm subsides. The situation underscores the potential for severe weather to disrupt daily life and highlights the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines.