The first significant lake-effect snow event of the year is expected to impact several regions near the Great Lakes, with forecasts predicting as much as 1-2 feet of snow in some areas. The snow event is anticipated to cause hazardous travel conditions, with the National Weather Service advising residents in several counties to avoid all travel to allow snow plows to operate.
The weather forecast for Cortland County on Monday, November 27, 2023, predicts lake effect snow showers due to increasing west winds associated with a strong low pressure over eastern Canada. The snow showers will originate from Lake Erie, with the best chance for snow coming tonight and a few flurries possible in the morning. No accumulations are expected during the daytime, but a few localized areas may see a coating to an inch during the nighttime.
Nearly 2 feet of snow has already fallen on the Tug Hill plateau in the first lake effect storm of the season. The snow bands now blowing off Lake Ontario are expected to shift to the south, bringing the potential for 5 to 10 inches of snow in northern Onondaga County. The higher snowfall amounts are expected to occur in north-central portions of Onondaga County, including the Syracuse metro area.
A lake-effect snowstorm has hit northern and western New York, causing hazardous travel conditions and school closures. The heaviest snow is expected to fall south of Buffalo and across the Tug Hill Plateau, east of Lake Ontario.
Widespread snow is expected across West Michigan on Sunday, lasting into Monday morning, with possible impacts to travel. The snow is set to arrive late Saturday night to daybreak Sunday, primarily from a Muskegon to Big Rapids line, back to the lakeshore. On a broad-brush note, 1-2 inches of snow is expected across West Michigan. Lake enhancement will provide higher amounts, 3-4 inches, primarily from Muskegon Co. to the north between US-31 and US-131.
Below-average temperatures will continue to be the main story across much of the nation this week. The heavy snow should stay closer to the lakes, and parts of northern Michigan, northwestern Pennsylvania and northern New York are the most likely targets for the snowfall.