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Watch out if you have to drive home after Thanksgiving: The snow warning for New York counties that makes travel impossible

The National Weather Services has issued a Lake Effect Snow warning for three New York counties until Monday, December 2.

The National Weather Services has issued a Lake Effect Snow warning for three New York counties until Monday, December 2.
UC Berkeley Central Sierra SnowUC Berkeley via REUTERS

Thanksgiving inevitably results in millions of Americans travelling all over the country to spend precious time with their loved ones. But while we often focus on getting to our chosen destination in time for the big day, we also have to get back home afterwards. Something which is likely to prove challenging for some who ate their turkey in the New York area this year.

The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Effect Snow warning for three New York counties, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis, which is in effect from Friday, November 29, at 7:00 a.m. ET until Monday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. ET.

What is lake effect snow?

Lake effect snow is a phenomenon that takes place when cold, dry air moves over a large, warmer body of water, such as a lake. The difference in temperature results in the air picking up moisture, which condenses and turns to snow when the air cools as it moves over land.

This can often lead to heavy snowstorms in areas surrounding the lake, which is what is happening in the aforementioned New York counties, which are all in the vicinity of Lake Ontario.

Thanksgiving has brought snow to parts of New York, making travel "difficult to impossible"
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Thanksgiving has brought snow to parts of New York, making travel "difficult to impossible"AL BELLOAFP

Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties could see three to four feet of snowfall, with the NWS believing the worst affected parts are likely to be across the northern Tug Hill region and south and east of Watertown.

NWS: “Travel very difficult to impossible”

Travel will be very difficult to impossible within the heaviest portion of the band,” states the NWS warning. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.”

“During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away,” the NWS continues. “Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”

“Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.”

Interstates 90 and 86, as well as 79, are expected to be those hardest hit by snow over the next few days.

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