Winter Weather Update as ‘Formidable’ Lake Effect Snow Expected [Video]

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning travelers that “formidable” lake effect snow is likely to cause disruptions for many over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The NWS Weather Prediction Center said on Tuesday that there was an increased chance “for heavy snow across the Great Lakes” from Friday to Monday, especially in areas near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, while sharing tips for dealing with the “Thanksgiving weekend arctic blast” in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

“Formidable lake-effect snow bands and snow showers will develop east and southeast of the Great Lakes, resulting in significant accumulations and drifting snow in the hardest hit areas,” the prediction center’s post states.

“Travel disruptions are likely, especially on I-90 between Cleveland and Buffalo and 1-81 north of Syracuse,” it continues. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible in the hardest hit areas. Forecast accumulations will become more clear as the event approaches.”