Severe Snowfall Continues to Impact Great Lakes Region and Alaska
Heavy snow persisted across the Great Lakes region on Monday, exhausting residents already buried under feet of accumulation for days. Lake-effect snow affected areas of western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, especially around Cassadaga, New York, where totals reached 4.5 feet (1.4 meters). Local resident Rebecca Chamberlin expressed her struggle against the relentless snowfall, stating, “We got buried.” In Ohio’s Geneva-on-the-Lake, residents reported over 4 feet (1.2 meters) of snow, with National Weather Service predictions calling for additional accumulation throughout the week.
Lake-effect snow warnings remained in effect through Tuesday night across parts of Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. In Michigan, winter storm warnings predicted up to a foot (0.3 meters) of snow, leading some schools to close, particularly in snow-stricken Gaylord, where over 3 feet (0.9 meters) has fallen since Thanksgiving. Local business owner Mike Williams noted that the sudden snow overwhelmed the community, contrasting the previous year’s mild conditions.
Meanwhile, in northern New York, residents in Copenhagen faced challenges as they dug out from over 5 feet (1.5 meters) of snow. Mary Shambo, owner of a local inn, shared stories of snowmobilers braving the conditions to reach services. The situation was similar in Erie, Pennsylvania, where 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) fell, resulting in heavy, wet snow that’s difficult to manage.
In Alaska, Juneau saw up to 17 inches (43 centimeters) over the weekend, leading to icy roads and necessitating a transition to remote learning and office closures due to dangerous conditions. As forecasts shift toward warmer temperatures and rain later in the week, it marks a stark contrast to the harsh winter experienced in many regions.
This ongoing severe weather serves as a reminder of winter’s unpredictability and challenges.
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