On December 13, 2024, an intense Arctic cold wave struck the Eastern United States, bringing extreme weather conditions ranging from lake-effect snow to ice storms. This weather event is expected to severely disrupt travel and daily life, with sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and frost advisories in place.

Lake-Effect Snow: Buffalo Covered in Snow

The city of Buffalo, located in New York State, continues to endure the effects of a significant weather phenomenon known as lake-effect snow. This occurs when cold air moves over warmer lakes, resulting in concentrated snow showers in specific areas. As of December 13, meteorological services have estimated that regions east of Lake Ontario could see up to 30 cm (12 inches) of additional snow.

Lake effect snow continues this morning, especially east of Lake Ontario. Band off of Lake Ontario will remain strong today with 2 -3 in/hr snowfall rates within the band. This band will shift south today into Oswego county before weakening tonight. pic.twitter.com/7wbwHRgm9j

— NWS Buffalo (@NWSBUFFALO) December 13, 2024

One of the hardest-hit areas has been Orchard Park, where snow accumulations of up to 75 cm (30 inches) were reported, severely disrupting transportation. The wind is blowing at speeds over 60 km/h (37 mph), creating near-zero visibility conditions, even for the most experienced drivers. This situation prompted local authorities to declare a state of emergency in Buffalo, one of the hardest-hit cities. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

• Snow accumulations: Up to 75 cm (30 inches) in areas like Orchard Park.
• Wind speeds: Up to 60 km/h (37 mph), causing extremely low visibility.
• Active warnings: Snow advisories in areas around Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
• Safety measures: State of emergency declared, urging residents to stay home and limit travel.

Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon declares a State of Emergency for Buffalo due to heavy snowfall, high winds, & poor visibility in the southern portion of the city. pic.twitter.com/AQTitChzIn

— Buffalo Common Council (@BFLO_CC) December 13, 2024

Authorities issued a snow advisory for areas around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with conditions expected to persist through the day before gradually easing by evening.

Extreme Cold and Ice Storms: The East on Alert

In addition to heavy snowfall, the Eastern United States is experiencing a polar cold wave of unprecedented intensity. This cold stretch spans from the Minnesota region to Northern Florida, with wind-chill temperatures falling below -10°C (14°F) in cities like Minneapolis and Chicago. One of the hardest-hit areas has been Des Moines, Iowa, where temperatures plummeted to -12°C (10°F), with wind-chill making it feel even colder.

In Minneapolis, where the wind-chill temperature dropped below -15°C (5°F), authorities issued alerts about icy conditions. Slippery roads due to ice buildup could make driving extremely hazardous in areas of the Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska regions. Ice storm warnings have been issued for these areas, strongly advising residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.

According to ABC News on December 13, “The cold fronts have dropped temperatures below zero in Minneapolis, near zero in Chicago, and into the teens below zero in the Northeast.” Frost advisories have also been issued for Georgia and Northern Florida, with officials warning of overnight freezes.

Meteorologists have highlighted the risk of ice accumulation, which could make roadways dangerously slippery, with up to 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) of ice on some surfaces. Authorities are strongly advising residents to avoid travel, particularly from Friday evening onward, as the storm is expected to reach its peak. The situation should begin to improve by Saturday morning.

West Coast on Alert: New Storm Approaching

The West Coast of the United States is bracing for a series of winter storms that are expected to intensify in the coming days. Heavy snowfalls have already impacted the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. On December 13, an initial storm dropped up to 15 cm (6 inches) of snow on Interstate 80, causing numerous accidents and major traffic jams.

A stronger storm is anticipated, especially in regions from Washington to California, with winter storm warnings in place for snow accumulations of up to 120 cm (48 inches) in the mountains. Coastal areas of California are expected to receive up to 12 cm (5 inches) of rain, with a heightened risk of flash floods.

Authorities have issued flood warnings for several regions in Northern California, where intense rainfall and strong winds are forecast, particularly around San Francisco and Sacramento. The storm is expected to affect Northern California through to Washington, with dangerous conditions for drivers.