A historic lake effect snowstorm impacted the snowbelt south and east of Lake Erie from Thanksgiving Day through December 3rd. A cold front brought the season's coldest air, interacting with warm Lake Erie waters to create heavy snow bands. These bands dropped 1-3 inches of snow per hour, affecting Ohio’s Lake and Ashtabula counties and Pennsylvania’s Erie and Crawford counties.

By November 29, Ashtabula County had around a foot of snow. Within 24 hours, Erie County saw nearly 2.5 feet, and by November 30, some areas reported over 3 feet of snow. The storm shifted north on November 30, providing a break to the hardest-hit regions, before snow returned on December 1, bringing another foot to Lake County.

By December 3, snowfall totals ranged from 2 to 5 feet, with Saybrook, OH, and Girard, PA, receiving over 63 inches. The storm caused travel disruptions, with highways closed and motorists stranded. The Pennsylvania National Guard assisted with rescues, and the heavy snow caused property damage, including roof collapses. Snow and wind resumed on December 5.