Cleveland, Ohio – Lake-effect snow belts across the Great Lakes have powered through an active winter, with several cities running well above their seasonal snowfall averages as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
According to the National Weather Service Eastern Region, preliminary 2025-2026 snowfall totals show consistent surpluses from western New York into northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Persistent northwest flow events off Lakes Erie and Ontario fueled repeated snow bands through January and February, driving totals higher in traditional snow corridors.
In western New York, Syracuse leads the region with 130.4 inches this season, far exceeding its normal pace. Rochester has recorded 105.4 inches, while Buffalo stands at 85.8 inches — all bolstered by multiple multi-day lake-effect setups that periodically reduced visibility along Interstate 90 and Interstate 81.
Northern Ohio has also logged a steady season. Cleveland has measured 49.1 inches, just above average, while Youngstown has reached 51.9 inches. In central Ohio, Columbus has recorded 30.2 inches, trending above normal. Toledo sits at 28.8 inches, near seasonal norms.
Western Pennsylvania remains active as well. Pittsburgh has tallied 43.6 inches so far this winter, comfortably above its long-term average.
These figures remain preliminary, and additional lake-enhanced systems through early March could nudge totals higher before the region transitions toward spring.
