Lake-effect snow forms when a cold air mass passes over a relatively warm lake. Lake-enhanced snow occurs when a weather system interacts with the lake's moisture. Skip Navigation.

Over the weekend, parts of upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan saw nearly 4 feet of lake-effect snow — but what's behind the weather phenomenon?

Lake effect snow occurs when cold air moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes creating snowfall, said Lily Chapman, a meteorologist at the NWS Forecast office in Marquette.

Lake effect snow has already pummeled some parts of Michigan this winter, and more is forecast to fall. The heavy snowfall in some places — the UP and the northwestern Lower Peninsula — has ...

Lake-effect snow, gusty winds, and cold air impact tonight's forecast. A widespread 1-3" is likely, but 3-6" is expected in the snowbelts.

Lake effect snow has already pummeled some parts of Michigan this winter, and more is forecast to fall. The heavy snowfall in some places — the UP and the northwestern Lower Peninsula — has ...

A multi-day lake effect snow event off Lake Erie is ongoing, making travel "very difficult" throughout the Great Lakes region as a total of 3-12 inches of new snow was produced near Cleveland ...

Lake-effect snow will start up again Thursday in the wake of the storm as another punch of frigid, January-like air engulfs the eastern US late this week.

It’s still snowing in the Great Lakes after it snarled travel, stranded motorists and buried homes. A short-lived break is coming before more snow arrives.