Residents of the Great Lakes region are bracing for more snowfall this week following a weekend of challenging weather conditions for U.S. travelers returning home after the Thanksgiving holiday. The National Weather Service has forecasted snow to continue falling in the region overnight into Monday morning, with additional snow expected on Wednesday and Thursday accompanied by gusty winds and freezing temperatures.
Over the weekend, several inches of lake-effect snow blanketed upstate New York, with nearly 4 feet accumulating off Lake Ontario, as well as affecting parts of Pennsylvania and Michigan. Lake-effect snow occurs when warm, moist air passes over a body of water and combines with colder, drier air, resulting in concentrated bands of heavy snow on land.
The wintry conditions did not deter fans attending the NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers in Buffalo, New York, on Sunday night. Despite the snow and cold temperatures, the game proceeded as scheduled, with the Bills offering to pay snow shovelers $20 per hour and providing food and hot drinks.
The lake-effect storm began near the Bills' stadium in Orchard Park on Saturday, continuing through Sunday with intermittent snowfall. The game-time temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit, with the wind chill making it feel like 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Fans like Tim LoTemple, a Bills season-ticket holder, embraced the cold weather, finding it energizing for both players and supporters.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania and New York declared emergencies due to the severe weather conditions. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a disaster emergency proclamation as Erie County received nearly 2 feet of snow, with more expected. Parts of Michigan, particularly the Upper Peninsula, were also hit hard by lake-effect snow, with significant accumulations reported.
As the cold front continues to move across the eastern U.S., temperatures are expected to remain below average, with additional snowfall predicted in various regions. Despite the challenges posed by the winter weather, residents are adapting to the conditions and making necessary preparations to stay safe and warm.
