Severe Snowstorm and Cold Air Hit Great Lakes

A significant lake-effect snowstorm is poised to affect the Great Lakes region, bringing up to 5 feet of snow in some areas, particularly around Watertown, New York, and the Tug Hill Plateau. The storm, driven by a cold air mass from Siberia meeting warm lake waters, is expected to last through the weekend, with snowfall rates potentially reaching 4 inches per hour and the rare occurrence of thundersnow. This weather event threatens to disrupt post-Thanksgiving travel, especially on Interstates 90 and 81. Meanwhile, an arctic air mass is expected to plunge into the southern U.S., placing 9 million people under freeze watches from Texas to the Carolinas. The cold air is expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the season to areas in the Midwest and South, as well as significant snow accumulations in northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania.