Land of lake effect

[ArlyA]

Lake Effect is a really strange thing. For a number of years I lived essentially on Lake Michigan. We didn't get much snow. For some reason, it would skip over the shoreline itself and the heavy "lake effect" would start a mile or 15 miles from the lake. Now I live a few miles from the lake and have more snow to play with.

Its not THAT strange. NOAA's description is below and does a pretty good job at subscribing it. It does not happen on lake shores.

Winter Resources
Snow Safety and LinksNor' eastersIce StormsLake Effect SnowGround BlizzardsAvalanchesSnow SquallExtreme Cold/Wind ChillForecasts and ObservationsEducation, Outreach, FAQsLinks and Partners​

Lake effect snow is common across the Great Lakes region during the late fall and winter. Lake Effect snow occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere. The air rises, clouds form and grow into narrow band that produces 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.
Wind direction is a key component in determining which areas will receive lake effect snow. Heavy snow may be falling in one location, while the sun may be shining just a mile or two away in either direction. The physical geography of the land and water is also important. National Weather Service meteorologists consider these factors as well as others when forecasting lake effect snow.

 

[ruffdog]

It is something how it can dump one one area and miss another nearby.

 

[ArlyA]

It is something how it can dump one one area and miss another nearby.

If you read what I posted and copied from NOAA, it states the answer to your question.

 

[deezler]

Passing 5 feet already! I think we’re gonna see 7+ feet of snow in spots. What are the all time 48hour records? This is nuts.

Regularly Warmer lake water temps in fall , combined with more polar vortex instability could make events like this more common in years to come. Wild!

The thunder and lightning was coming every couple minutes at times. There’s even reports of waterspouts (tornadoes) made of snow on lake erie. Insane!

Saw a video just now of buried cars on i90 after everything came to a standstill. Why the heck was the highway open?!!?!

 

[cqaigy2]

Whew, no lake effect getting to Washington state.