Lake-Effect Snow in Chautauqua, New York

A passing surface low and cold front brought rain and snow to the area starting on the morning of December 10th. Snow ahead of the cold front was mostly found for areas east of Lake Ontario. Behind the passing cold front, any remaining rain changed to snow as temperatures quickly cooled. Widespread snow transitioned to lake enhanced and then lake effect snow east and then southeast of both Lake Erie & Ontario. Winter Storm Warnings were in effect for areas east of Lake Ontario due to the combination of widespread snow and lake effect. Lake Effect Snow Warnings were issued for areas southeast of both Lake Erie & Lake Ontario where snow was from the lake response off of both lakes. Snowfall amounts of 8-12 inches of snow fell in most areas where warnings were in effect, with the hardest hit areas reaching upward of 20 inches.

Some of the notable snowfall amounts include: 20.5 in Kennedy, 14.7 in Franklinville, 13.8 at the Highmarket, 9.6 in Barnes Corners and 8.5 in Boston.