Lake-Effect Snow in Northern Cayuga, New York

Cold air filtering into the region behind a passing surface low set the stage for a lake effect snow event east-southeast of the lakes. While snow was heavy off of both lakes, significant snowfall amounts off of Lake Ontario were particularly heavy with reports of over five feet of accumulation. With cold air moving into the region, a persistent broad scale troughing pattern set up over the area from New Years day through the weekend. 850 hPa temperatures cooled to as low as -15 degrees Celsius during the event while lake water temperatures were around +4 degrees Celsius.

Notable reported snowfall amounts include: 65.0 inches in Williamstown, 32.3 inches in Cleveland, 29.1 inches in Mexico, 26. 4 inches in Little Valley, 26.3 inches in Cattaraugus, 23.5 inches in Constableville, 21.1 inches in Mayville and Dewittville, 18.5 inches in Arcade, 17.5 inches in Hooker, 16.5 inches in Springville, 8.0 inches in Sterling.