Lake-Effect Snow Machine Still Churning In The Great Lakes

New Year’s Day celebrators may be in need of snow shovels in the Great Lakes for the first day of 2026 thanks to ongoing lake-effect snow bands throughout parts of the region. Feet of snowfall could be picked up in the snowbelts over the next few days, especially in upstate New York near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Snowfall rates could even reach 3-5 inches per hour. Strong wind can create whiteout conditions even if there isn’t any snow actively falling, so anyone hitting the roads should be extra cautious and allow for extra travel time.