Monster lake effect snowstorm set to dump feet of snow this week
Portions of western New York, upstate New York, downwind of Lake Erie and Ontario could see over a foot of snow on New Year’s Day.
Winter weather could affect holiday travel plans
Founder and CEO of Points Path, Julian Kheel, joins FOX Weather to discuss how winter weather could impact travelers this holiday season and how to best prepare for any delays.
NEW YORK - After more snow bombarded the Great Lakes, portions of New York could see over a foot of snow on New Year’s Day.
Parts of western and upstate New York, downwind of Lake Erie and Ontario, are expected to see a lot more snow.
Gusty northwest winds from the east continued to usher in cold air, creating the perfect conditions for a heavy lake effect storm.
Dangerous snow blankets Michigan during post-holiday winter storm
(Brandon Copic / FOX Weather)
The eastern shores of Lake Michigan, parts of upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania could see 3 to 5 inches.
While downwind of lakes Erie and Ontario, including areas just south of Buffalo, NY, and southward into Erie, PA, Syracuse and the Tug Hill Plateau could see even higher amounts, with localized totals of 12 to 18 inches.
The storm could cause low visibility and wind gusts up to 70 mph near the lake shores.
Coastal flooding is also possible in some areas as the strong winds push the water levels above normal.
WHAT TO DO DURING A WINTER STORM POWER OUTAGE
Winter Storm Warnings and Lake Effect Snow Warnings have been issued for Syracuse, Buffalo and Erie, PA through Friday morning.
(FOX Weather)
According to FOX Forecast Center, a dip in the jet stream settled just south of the Northern Tier, causing the northwest flow to continue to funnel air over the warmer water of the Great Lakes.
Several weaker disturbances embedded within the jet stream will track from west to east, supplying additional moisture and potentially enhancing snowfall across the Great Lakes and upstate New York through the end of the week.
By Tuesday morning, as the wind continues to flow over the Great Lakes, snow will continue to develop, impacting areas from Syracuse to Buffalo, New York, as well as Erie, Pennsylvania.
On New Year’s Eve into early New Year’s Day, a weaker clipper is expected to move south from Canada through the Great Lakes, increasing the intensity of snowfall across western New York and portions of eastern Lake Erie.
This could even extend further into the Northeast, bringing lighter, decorative flakes to New York City and Boston.
People walk across the Bow Bridge in a snow-covered Central Park in New York City on December 27, 2025. New York City receieved around 4 inches (10 centimeters) of snow overnight. Airlines canceled 1,500 US flights during the peak holiday travel period Friday, with severe winter storm warnings and heavy snow forecast across parts of the Midwest and northeast. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
This could cause a post-holiday travel headache as millions are expected to travel on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Be sure to stay with FOX Weather for continuous coverage tracking the latest with lake effect snowstorm.