The first big snowfall of the season blanketed parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan during the hectic U.S. holiday travel and shopping weekend. Numbing cold and heavy snow are forecast to persist through the early part of the week, causing hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains, and Midwest regions.
The snowstorm led to an emergency declaration in parts of New York and a disaster declaration in Pennsylvania. Officials warned of dangerous conditions for Thanksgiving travelers returning home.
A blast of Arctic air brought bitter temperatures 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average to the Northern Plains, prompting cold advisories for parts of North Dakota. Frigid air was expected to move over the eastern third of the U.S. by Monday with temperatures about 10 degrees below average.
"Travel will be extremely difficult and hazardous this weekend, especially in areas where multiple feet of snow may accumulate very quickly," said the National Weather Service.
Nearly 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow fell in parts of New York, Ohio, and Michigan with 29 inches (73 centimeters) recorded in Pennsylvania's northwestern tip.
In a phone interview Saturday with WWNY-TV, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that preparations for the storm included deploying snowplows and thousands of workers while consulting with utility providers. She also dispatched personnel from other parts of the state to assist.
"I know it's something they're all accustomed to and they can handle, but I want to let them know we are there with reinforcements and to make sure everyone can travel safely," she said.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a disaster emergency proclamation as Erie County received nearly 2 feet (1 meter) of snow with more expected through Monday night.
Pennsylvania State Police responded to nearly 200 incidents during a 24-hour period from Friday morning into Saturday morning. Authorities closed part of I-90 in Pennsylvania along with westbound lanes on New York Thruway heading toward Pennsylvania due to hazardous conditions.
"They just showed up, and we don't want to turn people away," said hotel staffer Jeremiah Weatherley regarding stranded travelers taking refuge at a Holiday Inn near I-90."
Parts of Michigan were battered by lake-effect snow which buried sections under significant accumulations including Gaylord setting a new single-day record at 24.8 inches (63 centimeters).
"Obviously when you get that much snowfall it's great for snow hills but bad for parking lots so we're kind digging out," commented Doug Hoeh from Treetops Resort which benefits from boosted base layers ahead its upcoming season opening next weekend."