Lakes snow warnings have been issued on the east and northeast sides of Lakes Erie and Ontario, including the cities of Buffalo By sunset, 3 to 6 inches of additional snow is expected in the most intense bands near Lake Erie, while 6 to 12 inches of additional snow may accumulate in the most persistent snows near Lake Ontario. A snow flurry is a short but intense period of heavy snowfall, according to the NWS. This snow builds up to two inches in less than 30 minutes. There are also strong winds that can reach over 30 mph, as well as whiteout conditions that reduce visibility by less than a quarter of a mile. Snow squalls usually happen when it's partly cloudy outside, and they can start suddenly, catching drivers off guard. These sudden snow flurries can lead to major traffic accidents, including fatal multi-vehicle crashes. "The National Weather Service is issuing snow squall warnings to warn of the sudden onset of life-threatening conditions experienced by highway travelers during snow squalls." Much of the country has seen a significant cooling trend since last week, with some areas experiencing the first measurable snow of the season this week. This low pressure snow forming system will slide through the Midwest to the Northeast Drivers advised to follow snow squall warnings during snow squall awareness week