Approximately 95% of all Americans live within an hour’s drive of a navigable body of water. During the summer, this is great because people of all ages can enjoy time on the water; sailing, fishing, swimming, skiing, and just relaxing. During the winter, however, these large bodies of water can cause some serious weather concerns.
Lake-effect snow is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when a cold air mass moves across large bodies of water, subsequently warming the lower layer of air and depositing the frozen water vapor as it pushes downwind. The areas impacted by lake-effect snow are called snow belts. And there is no greater snow belt than Western New York.
According to The Buffalo News, a heavy band of lake-effect snow is expected to consistently hit Buffalo throughout the next few weeks and even months — especially during early December.
From December 6th onward, temperatures are projected to reach the low to mid-20s, equipped with snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour, and strong winds making it feel like it’s closer to single digits or in the teens.
According to WGRZ, Buffalo has been getting ready and preparing for the oncoming lake-effect snow, especially when it comes to addressing the daily commute.
Mayor Byron Brown stated that Buffalo has 7,000 tons of salt ready to start being spread across the city roads along with 70 functioning plows.
“We have a brand new tandem, which is the bulk of our work,” said Mayor Brown. “It’s the big plow behind us that does the bulk of our work during major events, helping us cover the 800 lane miles that we have effectively.”
Mayor Brown and city officials want to remind Buffalo drivers and anyone else dealing with lake-effect snow this winter to follow parking rules in order to get snow off the roads for first responders.
