Western New York state has been bombarded with snow this week, with more than 5 feet falling near Buffalo — and an additional 2 feet is expected to fall through tomorrow, according to Bloomberg News. That extra accumulation would bring snowfall totals in the area to over 100 inches — almost a year's worth of snow, says the Associated Press.

The New York State Thruway and parts of Interstate 190 and 290 have been closed down and a partial travel ban has been enacted in the area. At least five people have died so far. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for at least 10 counties along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

According to Bloomberg, the snow is being caused by lake-effect storms, which are produced when cold air passes over relatively warm waters. The temperature of Lakes Erie and Ontario range from the high 30s to mid-40s (Fahrenheit). In comparison, the temperature in Buffalo as of 11 a.m. today was 21 degrees Fahrenheit.

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