National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heavy Lake Effect Snow; Subfreezing Temperatures in the Eastern U.S.

A multi-day heavy lake effect snow event is expected downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario through New Year's Day. The Arctic front will continue to bring increasing winds to the Northeast that will remain gusty. Subfreezing overnight low temperatures will be found as far south as the Gulf Coast. Read More >

Overview

The first significant lake effect snow took place late Wednesday night through early Thursday morning. Widespread 3-6 inches of snow with pockets of 8-12 inches fell across the northwest wind lake effect snow belts. Strong winds, at times gusting more than 40 mph, caused considerable blowing snow especially over exposed roadways, leading to difficult driving conditions and multiple car accidents. Cold air invaded the region late Wednesday night into Thursday, leading to below-zero wind chill temperatures across much of the area.  This event signaled the beginning of the winter season to many.

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Visible satellite image from approximately 12:30 PM Thursday, 11/9, showing multiple lake effect snow bands across Lake Superior and Upper Michigan
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