11/8-11/10 First Snow and Lake Effect Event

[Geoboy645]

With the issuing of WSW's for Chicago and the N IN lake effect belts, I figured that this event has become thread-worthy. The main storm system isn't that notable, with the warm ground leading to at most an inch or two of accumulation for some higher terrain areas away from the lake. However, after the main system passes through we could have a significant lake effect event for so early in the year, especially on Sunday night into Monday. LOT and IWX have highlighted for the potential of at least several inches of snow wherever a main band sets up for any length of time. Combined with wind and the fact that leaves are still on the trees from the previously very warm autumn, this could be a potentially significant early-season event. Especially considering the possibility that one of the bands may set up into downtown Chicago and points south of the city, and the fact that this really has only become a thing within the last 24 hours. 

[sbnwx85]

TV mets hanging onto the warm ground concerns which won’t be a factor at night with high rates. Lake snows have dropped 18” this time of year with less favorable synoptics. 

[hawkeye_wx]

Far nw Iowa got up to 4" of snow this morning.  It is accumulating a little in Ames.  It is too warm here as the precip is arriving at peak heating.

[mimillman]

Lol

[Chicago916]

Updated "expected" snow maps upped a lot in Illinois to 7" expected in Chicago now. Probably cuz ^ and 18z hrrr.

[ILSNOW]

LOT

[mannynyc]

Very pretty in Grinnell, Iowa at the moment. Hopefully the lake effect bands cash in. 

[KeenerWx]

2 hours ago, ILSNOW said:

LOT

This map is so goofy. I get the uncertainty with lake effect. And that this map is generated with probabilistic inputs. But while technically accurate, the labels for Elgin, Joliet and Kankakee just don’t make sense with the corresponding color regions. 

[cyclone77]

Looks like even out this way we may get a burst of decent wet snow later this evening.  Wouldn't be surprised to see a DAB+

[Sciascia]

Flakes in Poplar Grove. I won’t be in on the lake effect fun, but the first snow of the season is always enjoyable.

[donsutherland1]

Ottawa has a snowfall warming for 4"-8". Detroit to Toronto should also see measurable snowfall. Winter is getting off to a good start parts of the Great Lakes Region.

From Environment Canada:

4:00 PM EST Saturday 8 November 2025

Snowfall Warning in effect for:

Ottawa North - Kanata - Orléans

Significant snowfall expected Sunday. What: Snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 cm. When: Beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Sunday night. Additional information: A low pressure system will bring snowfall to parts of southern Ontario on Sunday. Areas near the St. Lawrence River may see snow mix with ice pellets or freezing rain at times Sunday evening, leading to reduced snowfall amounts in that area. Motorists should expect difficult winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.

[cyclone77]

First flakes of the season here, as we now have wet flakes mixing in.  Temp dropped pretty quickly from near 40 to 35 in the past hour or so.

0.58" rain so far.

[sbnwx85]

At the Notre Dame game and snow is already mixing in with the rain.

[A-L-E-K]

p&c with real accums lakeside

[sbnwx85]

All snow now.

[cyclone77]

Ripping cotton balls right now. Ground has quickly whitened.

[Baum]

I see Izzy is in the house for LOT folks. All cards are on the table. Preparing for a sunny and 72 flip by morning.