Lake Storm Aphid Piles Up Snow In New York State

The weather really can change in a minute here in New York State and it can be even worse for those who live along the Great Lakes. The lake can help drop feet of snow in some areas and it can happen with just a slight change of the wind direction.

Are you ready for the winter weather yet? Most likely, you are not even thinking about it yet. Forecast for the next few days is calling for the temps to be near record highs and while that is good news for those who like the heat, it is also bad news for those who hate snow. Why? The temps of the water that feed the lake effect snow storms.

Raise your hand if you remember the "October Surprise" storm from a a few years back. Those of us who live in Western New York certainly recall the way the heavy, wet snow blasted us and caused mayhem.

WHAT DID THEY CALL IT

But did you know that they gave that storm a name? I guess I only knew it as the October Surprise. However, it was given a name from the National Weather Service.

It was called Lake Storm Aphid by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo, in accordance with their naming scheme for lake-effect snowstorms for that year, which related to insects, though locals never used that terminology and have simply referred to it as the October Surprise

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW

GET THE SNOWBLOWER READY

We know what happens next. The warm air will move out and the winds will start to pick up. If you are not getting ready now, there is no doubt you will get caught off guard. The best plan of action would be to put the snow brush in the car or truck and start thinking about snow tires and shovels. It can't hurt to be prepared.