The Lake Effect has shown an impact on residents of the states surrounding the Great Lakes. This year, the first snowstorm of the season has left the Northern U.S. to deal with the outcomes of the blanket of snow that now covers the land.
Starting on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, areas surrounding the Great Lakes were preparing for the first “welcome to winter” storm. Locals in this area have been dealing with the Lake Effect for decades.
The Lake Effect is “when cold air comes across a warmer lake causing air currents to form clouds and precipitation” said Jennifer Shreves, Hollis Brookline High School Environmental Science teacher. The snow that the Northern U.S. received has ranged from one to about fifty-seven inches across the states, diminishing as the storm moved further away from the Great Lakes.
The effects of this storm caused a massive pause on Thanksgiving plans. Michigan is still covered under the sparkly white blanket and residents are continuing to dig themselves out. The snow began on Thanksgiving and continued through Sunday. Although the people who have lived in Michigan for many years are very familiar with driving, clearing and preparing for the snow, those who’ve traveled to this area don’t have the same amount of experience. In an interview done by the New York Times, Michigan resident, Jane Hochul said, “We are so accustomed to this kind of storm, We don’t love it, but it is part of who we are.”
The newcomers from other parts of the state have been witness to the impacts of the storm. Many accidents due to the slick roads and the low visibility from the storm have been recorded. The Monday after Thanksgiving, a devastating crash occurred on the highway, “The heavy snow in recent days was blamed for a series of fatal accidents,” said Bruce Shipkowski, AP News reporter. A driver swerved across two lanes into oncoming traffic while a snow plow was passing through. Drivers are scared to get onto the roads to even go to work or the grocery store.
More crashes were accounted for, along with stranded vehicles and drivers. Amongst these accidents, buildings were damaged as well. A barn containing 100 cows collapsed, and in Ohio, part of a school rooftop crumbled in. Power outages spread out over the states of New York, Ohio, Michigan and more, leaving many families without heat or other amenities.
While these storms are common in the states surrounding the Great Lakes, this year is specifically noteworthy because the amount of snowfall is far greater than in years past. “A lot of people haven’t seen this amount of snow in a long time,” said Michigan resident Todd Brainard. Global warming has increased the amount of snow the Northern U.S. is expected to see this year. After this storm, it is clear that the warmer waters have increased the amount of precipitation the Great Lakes produce.
Although this was the first storm of the season, the Great Lakes are brewing more and the threat of heavy snowfall remains high. The states surrounding the Great Lakes will likely have more intense weather, and it is important for residents to continue to take the right precautions during the winter.
