Eastern U.S. Snow Storm Threat: Holiday Travel Disrupted
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Severe Winter Storm and arctic Blast Threaten eastern U.S. Over New Year’s
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A significant Arctic air mass is forecast to bring hazardous conditions, including heavy lake-effect snow and hazardous travel disruptions, to much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States during the New Year’s holiday period.
What’s Happening?
An “invasion” of Arctic air is sweeping across the eastern United States, bringing frigid temperatures and the potential for substantial snowfall. This weather event is already impacting regions downwind of the Great Lakes, particularly Lakes Erie and Ontario, with lake-effect snow. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of potentially hazardous driving conditions due to snow squalls – sudden, intense bursts of snow accompanied by strong winds.
The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast face potentially ”hazardous driving conditions” on New Year’s Eve from snow squalls.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide emergency in response to the impending severe weather, allowing for the mobilization of resources and personnel to address potential impacts.
Impact and Affected Areas
The heaviest snowfall is expected across areas south of Buffalo, New York, including Syracuse and the Tug Hill region, extending westward into Erie, Pennsylvania. Some locations could receive an additional 1-2 feet of snow, with localized accumulations exceeding 3 feet within the most intense snow bands. These areas have already been impacted by a potent winter storm earlier this week.
| State | Expected Conditions | Key Areas of Concern |
|---|---|---|
| new York | Heavy lake-effect snow, blizzard conditions | Buffalo, Syracuse, Tug hill region |
| Pennsylvania | Heavy snow, strong winds | Erie |
| Ohio | Snow squalls, hazardous driving conditions | Northern Ohio |
| Northeast (General) | Potential for snow squalls, icy roads | High-elevation areas, exposed roadways |
Snow squalls pose a particularly acute threat, as they can rapidly reduce visibility and create treacherous driving conditions. The NWS defines a snow squall as a sudden, brief, but intense burst of snow combined with strong, gusty winds.
Timeline and Forecast
The Arctic air mass is already in place, and the lake-effect snow event is ongoing as of Tuesday evening, December 29, 2023. The most significant impacts are expected to continue through new Year’s Eve and into the first few days of 2024. The duration of the event and the precise snowfall amounts will depend on the track and intensity of the weather systems involved.