Early lake effect storm affects travel

FINGER LAKES--The National Weather Service described the lake effect winter storm that hit the region Monday night, Nov. 17 as "near blizzard conditions" in parts of the state. The first major storm of the season brought between two and three feet of snow to some parts of western and northern New York. Even though Yates County only saw a trace of snow Monday night, the storm has forced a more than 100 mile stretch of the Thruway to close in both directions as of Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, between exit 46 (Rochester) and exit 61 (Ripley). The New York State Thruway Authority reported poor visibility and heavy snow, along with wet spots, icy spots and snow covered roads.

The snowfall began Monday night, Nov. 17 with its heaviest concentration being in the Buffalo and Watertown areas. The National Weather Service said the "intense lake snow" was focused across the region along with the "northern portions of the western southern tier." Another snowfall event is projected toward the end of the week to run into the weekend for the areas affected during the first storm.
"Thursday through Friday another significant lake effect event appears likely as a fresh batch of cold air arrives," according to the National Weather Service forecast. "Lake induced instability may not be quite as strong as the first event, but still sufficient to produce significant accumulations east and northeast of the lakes. This should finally end Saturday as high pressure builds into the Ohio valley and lower lakes. Temperatures will continue to run way below average through the end of the week."