Powerful Lake-Effect Snowstorm Disrupts Great Lakes Region Over Thanksgiving

A powerful lake-effect snowstorm swept through the Great Lakes region over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions to areas in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and parts of Western New York.

The storm began on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and continued through the weekend, concluding around November 30. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for regions such as the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan, where snowfall accumulations ranged from 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters). In some localized areas, enhanced by terrain, snowfall totals reached between 18 to 33 inches. The storm also impacted cities like Buffalo, New York, which was forecasted to receive up to 18 inches (46 cm) of snow.

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes, leading to the formation of moisture-rich clouds that produce heavy, localized snowfall. This phenomenon can result in snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, creating rapidly changing and dangerous travel conditions.

The storm led to significant disruptions in travel, with reports of whiteouts, low visibility, and strong winds up to 45 mph causing large snow drifts and power outages in areas like Houghton and Holland, Michigan. Over 1,000 outages were reported on Thursday, November 27. As the lake-effect snow tapered off from west to east on Friday, November 28, a new storm system was expected to impact the Great Plains and Midwest, including cities like Chicago and Buffalo, bringing several more inches of snow into the weekend.

This lake-effect snowstorm was part of a broader pattern of winter storms affecting the northern U.S. during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, bringing significant snow, cold temperatures, and hazardous travel conditions across multiple states.

The Great Lakes region has a history of significant lake-effect snow events. For instance, in November 2014, areas south of Buffalo were hit with 7 feet (2.1 meters) of snow over three days, leading to collapsed roofs and stranded drivers.

The timing of the storm during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend likely caused significant travel delays and cancellations, affecting holiday plans for many residents and travelers. Businesses, especially those reliant on holiday shoppers, may have experienced reduced foot traffic and sales due to the hazardous conditions. Local governments and emergency services were likely mobilized to manage road conditions, assist stranded motorists, and restore power outages, showcasing community resilience and preparedness.

As the region recovers from this significant weather event, residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution during winter weather conditions.