Severe Winter Storm Hits Northeast and Midwest: Emergency Declarations Issued
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)—The U.S. holiday weekend was marred by a significant winter storm, impacting states across New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan with heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. The storm prompted emergency declarations in New York and a disaster declaration in Pennsylvania, as officials warned of treacherous traveling conditions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the state had prepared for the storm, deploying snowplows and thousands of workers in anticipation of the severe weather. Areas across the Northern Plains experienced temperatures plummeting 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average, while snow accumulations reached nearly 2 feet in New York and Pennsylvania.
Where snowfall was heaviest, the National Weather Service reported that travel would be "extremely difficult and hazardous." Snow in Pennsylvania reached 29 inches in the northwest region, leading to the closure of parts of I-90 and the New York Thruway. Residents in Erie, Pennsylvania, were restricted to emergency travel only, compelling many stranded travelers to seek shelter in local hotels.
Meanwhile, Michigan faced substantial lake-effect snow, particularly in its Upper Peninsula, where locations recorded over 2 feet. Gaylord, Michigan, set a new single-day snowfall record of 24.8 inches, breaking a longstanding record from 1942. These conditions have proved beneficial for local ski resorts, eager for the snow to enhance their season.
As the storm lingers, severe weather impacts are expected to extend into early next week, urging travelers to remain cautious and prioritize safety. The winter season’s initial major snow event has spotlighted the need for preparedness as temperatures continue to drop across the region.
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