December 1st 2024.
As the Thanksgiving holiday weekend came to a close, parts of the U.S. were hit with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, creating a winter wonderland for some and posing challenges for others. In upstate New York, the Tug Hill region experienced up to 46 inches of snow due to lake-effect snow off Lake Ontario, leaving residents like Kevin Tyo to spend their days plowing and shoveling. Tyo, like many locals, is well equipped for the harsh winter weather with a plow attached to his truck, a tractor with a bucket, and a snowblower. Despite the challenges, Tyo's advice to those not accustomed to the snow is to stay home and to slow down if they must go out.
For those unfamiliar with lake-effect snow, it is created when warm, moist air mixes with colder, drier air over a body of water, resulting in heavy snowfall in certain areas. The U.S. military's Fort Drum, located near Watertown, New York, even issued an alert warning of up to 19 inches of snowfall in a short amount of time. As a safety precaution, commercial vehicles were banned on a 134-mile stretch of I-90 in western New York near the Pennsylvania line.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, preparations were underway for the Sunday night NFL game between the Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. With snow falling near the stadium hours before kickoff, the team was in need of stadium snow shovelers and offered to pay $20 per hour and provide food and drinks. The state department of transportation also had plans for intensive plowing of nearby roads throughout the game. The Bills are no strangers to playing in snowy conditions, and the stadium crew worked tirelessly to clear the field and walkways for the game. Governor Kathy Hochul's office also warned of more snowfall, with a possibility of 1 to 2 feet in western New York and 2 to 3 feet in northern New York.
The winter weather also affected other states, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declaring a disaster emergency due to nearly 2 feet of snow in parts of Erie County. Michigan was also hit hard by lake-effect snow, with some areas in the Upper Peninsula buried under 2 feet or more. And in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, a light dusting of snow added to the Christmas spirit and provided good practice for road crews.
As the week progresses, the Appalachian region is expected to see lows between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Thompson contributed to this report from Buffalo, while other Associated Press writers in various states shared updates on the winter weather. Despite the challenges and disruptions caused by the snow, many also found joy in the wintry conditions, whether it be through snowmobiling, skiing, or simply admiring the beautiful scenery. And as always, the resilience and preparedness of those living in colder climates shone through as they braved the snow and cold with determination.
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