Lake-Effect Snow Can Turn Into a Whiteout in Seconds: Here's How to Stay Safe

Where This Arctic Blast Bites Drivers

Lake-effect snow is the sneakiest kind. The sky looks “fine,” then you hit a band and it’s instant whiteout—no shoulder, no lines, just brake lights and panic. That’s why an “arctic blast” story only matters when it’s roads-first: sudden drops in visibility, fast accumulation in localized zones, and a travel day that turns into a tow bill.

The National Weather Service has active lake-effect and winter weather headlines in the Great Lakes region...