In the primary snowbelt east of Cleveland, conditions are expected to be more intense. A lake-effect snow warning is in effect for Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties until 7 a.m. Thursday, where 4 to 10 inches of additional snow is possible, along with wind gusts up to 35 mph that could cause blowing and drifting snow.

First, you need relatively warm water temperatures, which is why this occurs more often in the first half of winter. Next, you need cold air and a wind flowing off the water. As that happens, the wind picks up the moisture from the lakes and as it rises through the clouds narrow bands of heavy snow can develop off the lake.

“As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere. The air rises, clouds form and grow into narrow band that produces 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more,” the NWS says.

Lake-effect snow continues to batter central New York with strong winds and snow. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne is live in Oswego, NY, where conditions are icy and windy. Officials are warning of snow squalls,

Northern Erie County and southern Erie County are under lake-effect snow warnings through New Year's Day at 7 p.m.

Syracuse, N.Y. -- The lake effect snowstorm that started Monday night will continue today, with another 1 to 2 feet of snow possible in some parts of Central New York by New Year’s Day.

The National Weather Service issued an updated lake effect snow warning at 7:08 p.m. on Monday in effect until Tuesday at 4 p.m. for Southern Erie and Crawford County.

Weatherly Borough officials have announced that a Reverse Snow Ban will go into effect Thursday, January 1, 2026, as winter weather conditions impact the area.A