Winter Weather Alert: Monster Lake Effect Snowstorm to Bring Heavy Snowfall to the Great Lakes
As the holiday season comes to a close, a powerful winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to the Great Lakes region, causing travel disruptions and hazardous conditions. According to the latest forecast, parts of western and upstate New York, downwind of Lake Erie and Ontario, are expected to see over a foot of snow on New Year’s Day.
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. The eastern shores of Lake Michigan, parts of upstate New York, and northwestern Pennsylvania could see 3 to 5 inches of snow, while areas 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.
Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Winter Storm Warnings Issued
Dangerous snow blankets Michigan during post-holiday winter storm. The storm could cause low visibility and wind gusts up to 70 mph near the lake shores, with coastal flooding also possible in some areas as the strong winds push water levels above normal.
Winter Storm Warnings and Lake Effect Snow Warnings have been issued for Syracuse, Buffalo, and Erie, PA, through Friday morning. The amount of snow expected to impact the Great Lakes this week can be seen in the graphic below.
According to the 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.
Travel Disruptions Expected on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
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.
People walk across the Bow Bridge in a snow-covered Central Park in New York City on December 27, 2025. New York City received 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.
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 the lake effect snowstorm. For more information and updates, visit Here
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