Major Snowstorm Hits Upstate New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania During Holiday Travel

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Heavy snowfall is affecting towns along Lake Erie in upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania during a busy holiday weekend. Cold temperatures and heavy snow may continue into next week, causing risks in the Great Lakes, Plains, and Midwest.

The heavy snow has prompted a state of emergency in parts of New York and a disaster declaration in Pennsylvania. Officials warn that conditions for Thanksgiving travelers could be dangerous. The National Weather Service stated, “Travel will be extremely difficult and hazardous this weekend,” especially in areas where snow could accumulate quickly.

Interstates 90 in Pennsylvania and westbound lanes of the New York Thruway towards Pennsylvania were closed. Parts of New York, Ohio, and Michigan received nearly two feet of snow, while northwestern Pennsylvania saw around 29 inches.

Many roads in northwestern Pennsylvania became impassable, forcing numerous travelers to seek shelter overnight in a fully booked Holiday Inn near I-90. Hotel staff opened conference rooms and provided blankets for those stranded.

Staff member Jeremiah Weatherley described the support among guests. “Everyone helped each other,” he said. He also provided breakfast for those staying at the hotel as they worked to dig their cars out.

Arctic air brought bitterly cold temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average to the Northern Plains. Cold-weather advisories were issued in North Dakota, with temperatures expected to be 10 degrees below average in the eastern U.S. by Monday.

Parts of Michigan were hit hard by lake-effect snow. Snow bands from Lake Superior buried parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula under more than two feet of snow. Meteorologist Lily Chapman noted the variability in snowfall, with one area receiving a foot of snow while just a few miles away, another area could see over two feet.

Continued lake-effect snow could add more than a foot of snow in eastern Michigan and between six to ten inches or more in western regions by Monday.

In the Deep South, snow is not expected, but temperatures have dropped below freezing. Meteorologist Sam Marlow reported that northern and central Georgia experienced below-freezing temperatures, with mountain regions dropping to about 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise to around 50 degrees.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency as Erie County reported nearly three feet of snow, with more expected by Monday night. Emergency teams worked overnight to assist stranded drivers.

The Pennsylvania State Police responded to nearly 200 incidents within a 24-hour period. As snowfall began on Friday, forecasters warned that 4 to 6 feet of snow could accumulate in certain areas east of Lake Ontario by Monday.

After a mild fall, lake-effect snow is expected to bring 2 to 3 feet of snow along Lake Erie and south of Buffalo. Erie County Public Works Commissioner William Geary noted that warm lake temperatures contribute to the heavy snowfall.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for affected counties. Rapidly worsening conditions led to closures on Interstate 90, and certain vehicle types were banned on Interstate 86 and U.S. Route 219. Hochul urged New Yorkers in impacted areas to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that more snow is likely.