Lake-Effect Snow Hits Great Lakes Region
Lake-effect snow, a localized and intense weather phenomenon, is impacting areas downwind of the Great Lakes, including Buffalo, Watertown, Erie, Cleveland, and parts of western Michigan. This type of snow forms when cold air moves over warmer lake waters, absorbing moisture and heat before releasing it as narrow, heavy snow bands. These bands can produce snowfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour, with significant accumulation in some areas while nearby locations remain unaffected. The phenomenon is most common in late autumn and early winter, as it diminishes once the lakes freeze over. Forecasting lake-effect snow remains challenging due to its narrow and unpredictable nature, often leading to underestimations in grid-based weather models. [Source time: not specified]
