Polar Vortex In New York: State Battles Arctic Temps And Lake Effect Snow

All over the country, states are getting hit with the nasty side affects of this year’s Polar Vortex. It’s never a pleasant sight to wake up on Christmas morning, only to look out your window and see that there’s not an inch of snow on the ground. Yet somehow the majority of New Yorkers can’t help but mumble and groan over any winter weather that we receive during the month of December. Time to pause and make sure all your snow gear is out of storage, New York is expected to see more frigid weather this weekend.

Yesterday, many New Yorkers were left dealing with freezing temperatures and lake effect snow.

Zack Seward/flickr

The storm primarily pummeled the state's western regions and southern Tier. Rochester and other cities in the region saw memorable amounts of snowfall and experienced an intense whiteout. As of earlier today, it was reported that yesterday's snow storm brought in over twelve inches of snow to the city. Other surrounding towns in Monroe County also saw anywhere from eight to thirteen inches of snow. Anyone else get a shiver down their spine just reading that sentence?

While the worst of the Polar Vortex and lake effect snow is said to be past, and almost all winter advisories expiring earlier today, the National Weather Service is still reporting that cities like Buffalo can expect to see snowfall continue on from now until Saturday morning.

NOAA Photo Library/Flickr

Most western New York residents were hoping that this lake effect weather would slow up, but the National Weather Service reported late this afternoon that the city of Buffalo had quickly accumulated over three inches of snow within one hour. Let's just try and keep in mind how unusual New York looks the time of year without any snow, embracing this freezing scenery as much as we can.

These upstate regions may be getting hit with the worst of our weather, but downstate in the Big Apple our residents are experiencing historically frigid temperatures.

Anthony Quintano/Flickr

Today is not a day you'll want to take a beautiful stroll through Central Park! The National Weather Service reported that for the first time since 2010, the area failed to reach a high of 30 degrees during the month of December. To put things into perspective even further, this week last year Central Park was experiencing temperatures in the mid to high 60s. R.I.P warm weather, we hope to see you next year.

Sure... not all of us may be enjoying this harsh weather, but down in the state's southern tier, staff and guests at the Holiday Valley Resort are taking advantage of all of this snow.

Holiday Valley Resort/Facebook

If you're wondering how you can take advantage of this wild weather this weekend, then maybe a trip to Ellicottville is exactly what you need. Staff of the ski resort are said to be fully embracing the lake effect snow and chilly temperatures! Other ski resorts in the southern tier have also begun to open early this year - a huge difference from the weather we were experiencing during this time last year.

Have you been affected by the Polar Vortex yet? In an attempt to try and enjoy this freezing, beautiful winter weather as much as humanly possible, here are 14 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls In New York That Must Be Seen To Be Believed!