West Virginia Freezes Over! Brutal Winter Storm Dumps Snow and Brings Life-Threatening Cold

A powerful winter storm is bringing snow squalls and biting winds to millions across the Northeast on Thursday.

Footage by Nathan Voytovick shows strong winds, blowing snow, and poor visibility at New Buffalo Beach, Michigan, early Thursday morning. Voytovick described the weather as “insane.”

‘Insane’ weather conditions as Great Lakes region hit by lake-effect snow

A videographer captured intense weather conditions in Michigan in the early hours of Thursday as the Great Lakes region was hit by lake-effect snow. Footage by Nathan Voytovick shows strong winds, blowing snow, and poor visibility at New Buffalo Beach. 

Snow Squall Warnings have been issued in multiple states from North Dakota to Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey over the past two days, and forecasters were warning people of the dangerous and potentially life-threatening travel conditions due to the blowing snow leading to whiteout conditions.

Black ice and near-blizzard conditions Wednesday evening caused numerous car accidents, including a multi-vehicle pileup on Highway 40 near Holland, Michigan. No serious injuries were reported. To combat the heavy snowfall and strong winds, over 930 road crews are working tirelessly across the state to keep roads clear and safe.

Snow Squalls, Blizzard Conditions Lead To Treacherous Travel As Winter Storm Slams Great Lakes, Northeast

Watch: Video shows multivehicle crash on Michigan highway during winter storm

Treacherous travel conditions were reported in Michigan as a winter storm swept across the area, dumping heavy snow and producing strong winds. This video shows a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 40 near Holland, Michigan.

Winter weather alerts for more than 17 million people stretch from Michigan to Maine, including Blizzard Warnings in some locations.

The Christmas tree at the West Virginia State Capitol was toppled overnight due to wind gusts of 40-50 mph, which caused one of the securing cables to snap, the West Virginia Department of Administration told FOX Weather.

“We understand the significance of the Christmas tree to the people of West Virginia, and the General Services Division is actively working with the Division of Highways to return the tree to its upright position as quickly as possible,” the agency said. “At this time, that will likely occur (Friday) for safety reasons due to ongoing wind gusts.”

The West Virginia State Capitol’s Christmas tree fell victim to powerful wind gusts Wednesday night in Charleston. The beloved holiday symbol is expected to be restored Friday, weather permitting.

The West Virginia State Capitol’s Christmas tree fell victim to powerful wind gusts Wednesday night in Charleston. The beloved holiday symbol is expected to be restored Friday, weather permitting.

Janice Pantelleria witnessed a rare and beautiful natural phenomenon outside her Paw Paw, Michigan, home: snow rollers. These cylindrical snow formations, created by strong winds and specific snow conditions, transformed her yard into a winter wonderland.

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Snow rollers are a rare sight, requiring a specific combination of factors, including strong winds, light, powdery snow, and a smooth surface.

Intense snow squalls are expected to produce whiteout conditions and icy roads, making travel extremely hazardous. Strong winds, with gusts up to 50 mph, have caused power outages and downed trees.

Watch: Timelapse video shows snow squall blasting Fargo, North Dakota

A timelapse video shows a snow squall blasting Fargo, North Dakota, on Wednesday.

FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray was in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Thursday morning as conditions worsened with 30-plus mph wind gusts, making conditions even more treacherous. A Blizzard Warning remains in effect for the city through Saturday.

Between last Friday and Monday, the city was blanketed with a staggering 31.9 inches of snow, ranking it as the sixth-highest four-day snowfall total in the city’s history.

FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray reports live from a snowy Erie, Pennsylvania, where another round of heavy snows and strong winds are coming Thursday.

FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray reports live from a snowy Erie, Pennsylvania, where another round of heavy snows and strong winds are happening Thursday.