Lake-Effect Snowstorms Blanket Upstate New York in Winter White

A significant lake-effect snowstorm is hitting parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, with heavy accumulations of up to 2½ feet in some areas. Thunder and snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour have caused dangerous whiteout conditions and snow-related accidents. Snow has also fallen in northern Michigan and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Snow totals have been greater off Lake Ontario than Lake Erie. The snow is expected to dissipate by Wednesday morning, with additional accumulation possible in some areas. Lake-effect snow occurs when frigid air blows over a comparatively warm lake, and this phenomenon is most common in late fall and early winter.