Lake-Effect Snow Pounds Chicago; Continues Through Tuesday in Great Lakes and Northeast

Recent weather patterns have brought significant snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes, with lake-effect snow intensifying conditions across various regions. This bout of winter weather is a result of a brief cold snap affecting the Midwest, South, and East.

Snowfall Impacting Great Lakes and Northeast

As the snowfall continues, regions from the Appalachian Mountains to upstate New York are expected to see precipitation linger through Tuesday. The lake snowbelts stretching from northwest Pennsylvania and southwest New York, particularly south of Buffalo, are poised for the heaviest additional accumulations.

Current Snow Reports

• 12 inches recorded in 6 hours in Momence, Illinois, near Chicago.
• O’Hare Airport in Chicago reported 1.7 inches by early Monday.
• Wadsworth, Illinois, measured between 6 to 7 inches.
• 4 to 14 inches reported throughout northern Indiana.
• Elsewhere in Michigan, up to 18 inches fell south of Marquette.
• 10 inches recorded in Lower Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula.

In Wisconsin, Racine and Kenosha Counties observed up to 13 inches of lake-effect snow, while Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, saw 15 inches. Cleveland and Detroit experienced 2 to 5 inches, with some areas of central and western Ohio reporting 1 to 4 inches.

Travel Advisory

Given the significant snow accumulation and winter weather conditions, motorists are advised to exercise caution. Drivers should allow extra time for travel and maintain safe distances between vehicles. Even if snow melts on road surfaces, temperatures may drop at night, leading to potential icy conditions on bridges and overpasses.

Historical Context of First Snowfalls

This winter marks the first significant snow for many areas. According to NOAA data, historical averages indicate that cities like Buffalo usually see their first accumulating snow around November 8, Chicago on November 18, and Detroit on November 19. Some regions, like Bismarck, North Dakota, typically receive their first snowfall by October 28 but delayed this year.

Conclusion

The ongoing lake-effect snow will continue to affect travel and daily life across the Great Lakes and Northeast. As communities brace for these weather conditions, residents should remain informed and cautious.