Winter storm warning issued in New York Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties From 1 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. FridayPredicted snowfall totals of 10 to 18 inches across the higher terrain of the Tug Hill Plateau,

Winter storm watches continue for parts of New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio on Wednesday, where lake-effect snow is expected to wallop parts of the Great Lakes region, while a good portion of the continental United States is experiencing bitter-cold temperatures.

In late fall and winter, lake-effect snow is a common occurrence in the Great Lakes region. "Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes.

Over 4 million people across five states remained under winter storm alerts as lake-effect snow buried the Great Lakes region. Western New York faced intense snowfall, totals exceeding 40 inches since Thursday and up to 24 more inches expected by Monday.

About 5 million people were under weather alerts on Monday following a treacherous post-Thanksgiving travel weekend, as snow is forecast to continue to wallop parts of the Great Lakes region, while a good portion of the continental U.