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Severe Lake-Effect Snow Warnings Hit New York, Midwest

1/4/2026

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NWS Issues Snow Warnings

National Weather Service (NWS) has issued lake-effect snow warnings for Upstate New York, the Midwest, and parts of California and Nevada, with heavy snowfall expected through the weekend.
In New York, Oneida County and Onondaga County could see up to 3 feet.
In Pennsylvania, Erie County and Crawford County could receive as much as 24 inches.
The NWS warns of hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and potential whiteouts.

Right

UK Faces Severe Winter

The United Kingdom faces severe winter weather with amber snow warnings in northern and eastern Scotland.
Accumulations of 10–40 cm are expected, disrupting travel and causing power outages.
The Met Office says Arctic air will bring hazardous conditions and freezing temperatures.
In Michigan, the Mackinac Bridge Authority issued a Blowing Snow Warning advising motorists to slow.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1978 struck the Great Lakes region from January 28 to February 1, resulting in over 30 inches of snow and 29 fatalities in New York. The storm's extreme conditions, including high winds and low visibility, paralyzed transportation and prompted emergency responses. Today’s lake-effect snow warnings reflect the ongoing vulnerability of these areas to severe winter weather, underscoring the historical significance of this event.

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NWS Issues Snow Warnings

National Weather Service (NWS) has issued lake-effect snow warnings for Upstate New York, the Midwest, and parts of California and Nevada, with heavy snowfall expected through the weekend.
In New York, Oneida County and Onondaga County could see up to 3 feet.
In Pennsylvania, Erie County and Crawford County could receive as much as 24 inches.
The NWS warns of hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and potential whiteouts.

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