Dramatic photos and video captured along Lake Ontario show the effects of winter as frigid temperatures, strong winds and lake spray transform the great lake into an icy landscape.
These frozen scenes are most common during prolonged cold snaps, when air temperatures linger well below freezing and strong winds whip across the open water.
Extreme cold watch issued in NY
An extreme cold watch has been issued for much of western and central New York as dangerously low wind chills are expected this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo says wind chills could drop as low as 25 below zero from late Friday night through Sunday morning across Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. The coldest conditions are expected late Friday night into Saturday.
A separate extreme cold watch is in effect for the eastern Lake Ontario region, including Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. In those areas, wind chills could fall as low as 35 below zero.
Frostbite possible in minutes
Forecasters warn that frostbite could occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes during the coldest periods.
How to stay safe in extreme cold
Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers, hats and gloves, and use caution when traveling. They also recommend checking on elderly neighbors and using space heaters properly. Generators and grills should never be used indoors.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Dramatic photos show winter transforming Lake Ontario into an icy landscape
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile and Tina MacIntyre-Yee, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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