Northern U.S. Braces for 60 mph Winds, Snow Squalls

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A powerful weather system sweeping across the Northern U.S. is threatening to bring damaging winds up to 60 mph and dangerous snow squalls to the Great Lakes and Northeast regions, affecting nearly 28 million people from Monday night through Wednesday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Buffalo warned of near whiteout conditions as strong winds move inland off the Great Lakes, creating risks of downed trees and scattered power outages. Wind advisories and warnings are in effect across a 700-mile stretch, including portions of Interstate 90 in western New York and Interstate 81 in north-central New York.

“The strongest clipper in this series will bring the potential for dangerous conditions, including whiteout visibility and wind gusts up to 60 mph,” said a spokesperson from the NWS. The system, part of a series of fast-moving Canadian clippers, is expected to intensify Monday night.

By early Tuesday morning, the FOX Forecast Center is monitoring the potential for strong snow squalls along the I-90 corridor. Snow squalls, which can cause sudden, intense snowfall and reduced visibility, are possible from the eastern Great Lakes to New England. The NWS highlighted New York’s Southern Tier and northern Pennsylvania as particularly at risk.

Erie, Pennsylvania, has already received more than 92 inches of snow this winter, and additional snowfall is expected. The intensity of the snow will depend on the speed of the clipper system. If it moves too quickly, snowfall may be limited, but if it taps into more storm energy, heavier snow and dangerous whiteout conditions could result.

Snow will continue to move south and east throughout Tuesday, with snow showers tapering off later in the afternoon. Buffalo, New York, which has seen 48.7 inches of snow this season, is once again in the bull’s-eye for locally heavy snow.

Another clipper system is expected to move through the region by midweek, potentially bringing light-to-moderate snow showers to areas like Michigan and upstate New York. While snow amounts are not expected to be heavy, the system could cause minor disruptions, especially if the low-pressure system tracks farther north.

Residents are urged to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages as the storm progresses.