A fresh wave of cold air is expected to bring heavy lake-effect snow bands in the first part of the upcoming week, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. Typically, lake-effect snow events tend to lessen in severity as winter progresses and the lakes freeze over. However, with the lakes still relatively ice-free and warmer than usual, another significant lake-effect snow event is anticipated.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham explained that although some lake-effect snow may occur until Sunday, it will be localized until a clipper-like storm passes through, bringing more snow to the Upper Midwest. This storm will result in a light but slippery snowfall from Montana to parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, central and northern Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and northern Michigan by Saturday night, with an expected snow accumulation of 1-3 inches in this area.
After moving northward into Ontario, the storm will not progress across the northeastern United States, leading to diminishing snowfall in the eastern regions. However, along the leading edge of the Arctic cold front, there may be flurries and occasional heavier snow squalls, causing sudden visibility reduction and snow accumulation in areas as far south as the southern Appalachians on Monday and as far east as the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts by Tuesday.
As the system moves through, lake-effect snow is anticipated off Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, with significant snowfall expected in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, particularly in areas like the Porcupine Mountains and between Munising and Whitefish Point along Lake Superior. Similar conditions have previously resulted in dangerous multiple-vehicle accidents on interstate highways in the Midwest and Northeast, emphasizing the need for motorists to be cautious of rapidly changing weather conditions.
The ongoing lake-effect snow event could bring several feet of snow downwind of lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario from Monday to Wednesday night. Areas most at risk for heavy snowfall extend from northeastern Ohio to northwestern Pennsylvania and western, central, and northern New York, with AccuWeather’s local StormMax™ predicting up to 48 inches of snow accumulation during this period.
As the snowfall rates increase and blizzard conditions develop, road closures, including parts of interstates 81 and 90, may occur. Trucking companies may need to adjust their routes accordingly. Further rounds of Arctic air are forecasted to sweep through the U.S. towards the end of January, triggering additional heavy lake-effect snow events. For advanced and ad-free weather alerts, consider subscribing to the AccuWeather app.
Upgrade to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are issued by our team of expert meteorologists who work around the clock to monitor and analyze potential weather hazards, ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
