Harrisburg, PA – Lake-effect snow from Thursday left scattered accumulations across New York and northern Pennsylvania, with fresh snow still visible this morning on regional satellite imagery, according to the National Weather Service’s Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center (MARFC).
According to MARFC, colder air passing over the Great Lakes on Thursday generated narrow but intense bands of lake-effect snow, particularly downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. While snowfall totals varied widely, many areas reported light to moderate accumulation, especially communities situated directly beneath the strongest bands.
A Friday morning satellite image released by the agency shows persistent cloud streaks over upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, marking the path of the lake-effect plumes. MARFC also shared a ground photo from Cincinnatus, NY, showing a fresh blanket of snow on fields and roadways.
Lake-effect snow typically forms when cold, dry air flows across the warmer lake waters, producing localized bursts of heavy snow. Meteorologists note that totals can differ sharply within just a few miles depending on wind direction, terrain, and how long a band remains stationary.
Road conditions were slick in some rural pockets early Friday, though no widespread travel impacts were reported. Forecasters say additional light snow showers may continue in favored lake-effect zones as winds shift through the morning and early afternoon.
More organized precipitation is not expected across the region until the next weather system approaches later in the weekend.
Residents in upstate New York, the Finger Lakes, northern Pennsylvania, and the Lake Ontario snow belts are encouraged to monitor local forecasts for updated snowfall and temperature trends.
