Cleveland, OH – A powerful lake effect snow event is expected to unfold across the Great Lakes region beginning early Thursday, Nov. 27, and continuing into Saturday morning, bringing heavy snow, gusty winds, and dangerous post-Thanksgiving travel conditions across multiple states.
According to the National Weather Service, Lake Effect Snow Warnings now cover large areas of northern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, and western and northern New York, including cities such as Erie, Jamestown, Oswego, Watertown, and Warren. Snowfall totals are expected to range from 6 to 12 inches, with some inland areas near the Tug Hill Plateau and inland Erie County, PA, possibly seeing up to 18–20 inches.
Forecasters warn that winds up to 50 mph could create whiteout conditions, especially along major routes including I-90, I-79, and I-81, just as families return home from Thanksgiving gatherings and Black Friday shoppers head out. Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times Thursday night through Friday evening.
Snowbands will be highly localized, with conditions varying sharply over short distances. The heaviest snow is expected Thursday into Friday, before tapering Saturday morning.
Residents are urged to prepare now, delay nonessential travel, and monitor local alerts. Officials advise keeping emergency kits in vehicles as temperatures drop and visibility deteriorates.
