Heavy snowfall is forecasted to impact the Northeastern United States this weekend due to lake-effect snow events driven by persistent cold air sweeping across the Great Lakes. Areas downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are bracing for what could be up to five feet of snow, creating treacherous conditions for travel and daily life.
According to AccuWeather, the lake-effect snow has begun to pile up significantly, with reports indicating over 17 inches of snow measured as of Saturday morning in Erie, Pennsylvania, and approximately 19 inches in Rome, New York. Upstate New York is reportedly experiencing snow totals between 20 to 30 inches, with certain areas, particularly Rome, projected to see even higher accumulations.
John Feerick, Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather, highlighted the potential for snowfall totals to increase even more as weather models indicate the continuation of snow bands reaching downwind of Lake Ontario well through Sunday. Feerick noted, "Snowfall totals are likely to become even more impressive as snow continues downwind of Lake Ontario." Towns such as Utica and Syracuse are expected to be significantly affected, with Interstate 81 and Interstate 90 facing possible disruptions due to heavy snow accumulation.
Further complicate matters, New York City is preparing for its first major snowfall of the year as well, with flurries expected late Sunday, January 7, and continuing through Monday, January 8, 2025. Liv Johnson of FOX 5 NY indicated, "Late Sunday, we’ll start to see some flurries, and it will last through the day on Monday," advising commuters to brace for potentially hazardous conditions during the Monday morning rush hour.
The National Weather Service (NWS) states the NYC area could expect close to two inches of snow, with the potential for higher accumulations reaching up to four inches depending on the storm's exact path. Areas north and east of the city may anticipate one to three inches of snow. The concerning aspect of this storm is its timing—coinciding with the start of the workweek, which may result not only in travel disruptions but also school closures and delays.
Adding to the uncertainty is the cold air from the north, which is forecasted to push the rain-snow line southward and maintain snow showers throughout Monday. The NWS stated, "Frozen precipitation is possible across the parts of the Southern Plains and Southeast with the potential for heavy snow extending northward to include much of Appalachians, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Northeast." This highlights the expansive reach of winter weather across the region, with effects felt well beyond just New York and Pennsylvania.
Looking forward, forecasters at FOX predict significant arctic outbreaks will send temperatures plummeting, marking the coldest January since 2014 or 2011 across the East Coast. With cold air dominating the next several weeks, residents can expect continued impacts from winter storms, prompting caution for outdoor activities and travel.
With this severe weather on the horizon, AccuWeather's team emphasizes the importance of staying updated through reliable warnings and forecasts. John Feerick reiterated the necessity for preparedness as communities brace for snowfall and frigid conditions. The backdrop of this extreme weather event includes not only the immediate hazards posed by snow but also the long-term impacts on daily commuting patterns, heating needs, and general winter readiness across the sprawling Northeastern region.
Residents are advised to adjust their plans accordingly, monitor local forecasts closely, and be ready for rapidly changing weather conditions as these winter storms roll through, ensuring safety amid the expected chaos.