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How much of the state does that Lake Effect Snow impact in real life not just some weather presenter talking?
I know that down here in Maryland any even dusting of snow is labelled "Lake Effect" even when the weather system dropping it is coming out of the south.
I would add a source of drinking water, beaches, state parks, water recreation(boating, fishing, etc.) and the related tourism, among other things(shipping, etc.). So, I’d say that the pros outweigh the cons.
Lake Effect snow is more of an inconvenience, but isn’t the worst snow to get. It is usually fluffy snow, but other snowfall/weather systems like Nor’easters and Clippers tend to bring heavier snow and frigid temperatures.
I will say that driving can be tough on I-81 east of Lake Ontario/west of Tug Hill, as that is an area of high snowfall totals and you can get whiteout conditions. On the flip side, snowmobiling is big on Tug Hill because of the snowfall. In turn, it brings tourism to that area.
Flooding can be an issue at times, but aren’t too common.
Hopefully others will participate in the thread.
Last edited by ckhthankgod; 04-17-2022 at 10:56 AM..
As far a flooding, Lake Ontario used to flood infrequently. Ever since adopting Plan 2014 (in 2017), a new way of regulating the water level, the lake has flooded twice, and residents are on pins and needles every spring as they don't allow for the thawing and spring showers.
I would add a source of drinking water, beaches, state parks, water recreation(boating, fishing, etc.) and the related tourism, among other things(shipping, etc.). So, I’d say that the pros outweigh the cons.
Lake Effect snow is more of an inconvenience, but isn’t the worst snow to get. It is usually fluffy snow, but other snowfall/weather systems like Nor’easters and Clippers tend to bring heavier snow and frigid temperatures.
I will say that driving can be tough on I-81 east of Lake Ontario/west of Tug Hill, as that is an area of high snowfall totals and you can get whiteout conditions. On the flip side, snowmobiling is big on Tug Hill because of the snowfall. In turn, it brings tourism to that area.
Flooding can be an issue at times, but aren’t too common.
From the source: "OCWA also treats and delivers water originating from Lake Ontario near the City of Oswego to our Ontario Water Treatment Plant. In 2018, approximately 19 million gallons per day or 50.5% of OCWA’s water came from Lake Ontario. The customers receiving water originating from Lake Ontario are mostly located in the northern and eastern half of Onondaga County. OCWA customers in Madison, Oneida, Oswego and Cayuga counties receive all their water from Lake Ontario."
Does anyone know if other parts of the state near the Great Lakes gets a portion of their water source from Lake Ontario or Lake Erie? I ask because I know that the Finger Lakes provide water to many as well.
^Monroe county get's most of it's water from 2 taps into Lake Ontario. One in Greece, one in Webster. There used to be a water plant in Hamlin, which served the Brockport area, but they merged with MCWA. The city of Rochester used to also have a water plant on Lake Ontario. Additionally Kodak also draws it's own water from Lake Ontario in Greece. Most of the city get's it's water from Canadice and Hemlock lakes. I believe they are the 2 smallest Finger Lakes.
Blessing: helped NY economically with the canals linking to them.
Drawback: lake effect snow
Are there other blessings and drawbacks? Vote and discuss.
Oh I dunno...
25% of NY electricity generation (Niagara between L Erie and L Ontario)
6.2 million NYers getting their drinking water (per Buffalo-Niagara Waterkeeper web site)
Great Lakes shipping and linkage to Atlantic thru St. Lawrence Seaway
Hundreds of miles of lakefront beaches and parks
Recreational and sport fishing (Canada also has commercial fisheries in Lake Erie)
Over 100,000 registered recreational boaters in Great Lakes counties
Abundant freshwater access for industries (water use, cooling, transportation, etc)
Moderating influence of lakes extends growing season in WNY fruit orchards and vineyards
Moderating influence of lakes means cooler and less cloudy summer days than further inland
[Lake effect snow is concentrated in areas east of the lakes. Buffalo is actually on the edge of the snow belt (Lake Erie only fronts about half of the metro) with areas north of the city receiving only 1/4 the snow totals of areas south of the city. The airport weather station lies between the 2 extremes.]
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