Harrisburg, PA – Parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic woke up to a wintry scene Friday morning after lake-enhanced precipitation delivered light but measurable snow across sections of New York and Pennsylvania.
According to the National Weather Service’s Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, a 24-hour burst of lake-effect moisture pushed into the region on Thursday, creating a thin snow coating in higher-elevation and far-northeastern counties. While amounts were modest, forecasters noted that the conditions were ideal for quick accumulation on colder surfaces, especially during the early morning hours.
A NOAA snapshot from Laurens, NY, taken Friday morning, showed fields and trees covered in a light blanket of snow. The image highlights the first notable accumulation of the season for many communities in the northern tier. The accompanying 24-hour precipitation map indicates the heaviest totals concentrated across central and northern New York, where lake-effect processes were strongest.
Forecasters reported that the snow resulted primarily from cold northwest winds crossing the relatively warm Great Lakes—an early-season pattern that often brings narrow but intense bands of precipitation. While travel impacts remained minimal, slick spots were possible on back roads and untreated surfaces.
Residents across upstate New York and north-central Pennsylvania may continue to see occasional flurries through Friday as temperatures remain seasonally cool. No significant accumulation is expected moving forward, but meteorologists will continue monitoring lake-effect activity heading into the weekend.
The National Weather Service advises drivers to remain cautious during early-morning commutes and to watch for shaded or untreated areas where surfaces may stay slick longer.
