Lake effect snow explained as parts of US could be hit with up to 30 inches

A brutal 'lake effect' is set to dump up to 30 inches of snow in some parts of the US this week.

While it's a little late for a White Christmas, many places could be welcoming in a snowy New Year instead.

A lake effect snow warning has been issued in parts of New York, Michigan and Pennsylvania, with up to 30 inches of snow possible this evening (Tuesday, December 30).

The intense snowfall is expected as cold air moves across the warmer waters of the Great Lakes.

The storm is likely to cause significant disruption for people traveling after the holidays and into the New Year, with strong winds, low visibility and dangerous driving conditions possible.

So if you're heading out and about this New Year, be careful and check the weather forecast before setting off.

What causes lake effect snow?

The 'lake effect' could see up to 30 inches of snow in some regions (Al Drago/Getty Images)

The lake effect occurs when Arctic air is flowing in on gusty northwest winds.

That cold air moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, picking up moisture.

As the air reaches land, it dumps that moisture as heavy, localized snow bands, as Fox News reports.

A dip in the jet stream is keeping this northwest flow locked in place, allowing snow to repeatedly hit the same areas.

Further 'disturbances' in the jet stream are enhancing snowfall throughout this week, however.

A clipper system - a fast-moving, low-pressure winter storm - from Canada late New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day could intensify snowfall, especially in western New York.

Which areas are impacted by lake effect snowfall this week?

A 'White New Year' could be on the cards (Olga Siletskaya/Getty Images)

The areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario forecast to be heavily impacted by the extreme weather include areas south of Buffalo, Syracuse and Onondaga County, Tug Hill Plateau and Erie, Pennsylvania.

These locations could see between 12 and 18 inches of snowfall, with localized areas battered with up to 30 inches.

Lighter - but still somewhat disruptive - snowfall of between three and five inches is expected along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, parts of upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Lighter 'decorative' snow could even reach New York City and Boston.

Lake effect weather warning explained

Snow ploughs will be no match for the heavy snowfall expected in some areas (John Normile/Getty Images)

Risks of this heavy lake effect snow include wind gusts between 50 and 70 mph near the shores.

Whiteout conditions and very low visibility also pose their own dangers.

Coastal flooding may also be possible as strong winds push lake water inland, while power outages are a risk due to wind and heavy, blowing snow.

In Onondaga County, Syracuse, County Executive Ryan McMahon said that if it now falls faster than one to two inches per hour, county snowploughs won’t be able to keep up even when working at full capacity, Syracuse.com reports.

McMahon said he may have to issue a 'no unnecessary travel' declaration in that case.

In a worst-case scenario, an 'all-out travel ban' would be imposed.