Lake-Effect Snow in Chautauqua, New York

Lake effect snow developed southeast of Lake Ontario early on December 12th as a shortwave trough crossed the region. The lake effect weakened briefly on the night of the 12th, but then re-developed on the morning of the 13th ahead of and then behind a strong cold front crossing the area. The heaviest lake effect snow focused mainly on areas east to southeast of both Lake Erie & Ontario, but ahead of the passing cold front with a pre-frontal trough crossing the area, lake snow initially developed northeast of both lakes. Snowfall amounts up to around 15 inches were measured east of Lake Ontario. Snowfall off of Lake Erie was mostly in the 10 to 14 inch range, however a report from Perrysburg of nearly 2 feet was received, where higher terrain and proximity to the lake made for favorable location of heavier snowfall.