Heavy lake effect snow continues through Thursday

More lake effect snow is in the forecast for parts of the Great Lakes. Some regions are already buried from earlier lake effect snow bursts earlier this week, and more rounds of snow will make travel challenging.

After two rounds of lake effect snow this week, parts of western New York will see even more snowfall Thursday as the lake effect snow machine continues. In the last 72 hours, 40 inches of snow has fallen in Copenhagen, 31.2 inches in West Carthage, and 28 inches in Lancaster, N.Y.

The WeatherRadar shows heavy snow continuing today downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario in New York. The snow belts have already picked up a lot of snow this week, and today, some areas could see an additional 12 to 18 inches through Friday morning. Cities like Buffalo and Watertown, N.Y., will be impacted by snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour.

Lake effect snow warnings remain in effect for western and north-central New York through Thursday evening as snow piles up. The lake effect snow machine will end as our next cross-country storm moves in later tonight.

Lake effect snow returns to the Great Lakes Friday as winds shift to the north. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in place downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. The WeatherRadar shows the heavy snow focusing along the southern shores of the Great Lakes. Friday morning's commute may be especially challenging in Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio.

Anywhere from 4 inches to a foot of snow is expected in northern Ohio and northern Indiana through Saturday. With more snow in the forecast, it's important to check conditions on the WeatherRadar before heading out and to have a winter weather emergency kit in your vehicle.