The Great Lakes experienced a surge of activity as arctic air passed over record-warm waters, generating prolific snowfall.

Lake-effect snow blanketed swaths of the U.S. as Thanksgiving travelers journeyed home this holiday weekend, with more snow expected to fall over the Great Lakes region through the week

Paralyzing amounts of snowfall are smothering towns along the eastern shores of the Great Lakes as a record-setting lake-effect snowstorm continues to blast the region.

Another round of lake-effect snow is on the way Wednesday night into Thursday, with near-blizzard conditions and up to a foot of additional snow for some in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. The latest batch follows bands of extreme snowfall that have dumped a widespread 3 to 5 feet of snow in the region near Lakes Erie and Ontario.

Lake-effect snow typically happens in the late fall and early winter when the lakes are ice-free and the water is still relatively warm.

The storm dumped several feet of snow and disrupted travel in the Great Lakes states and New York. More snow is expected.

Heavy snow slammed the Great Lakes region during Thanksgiving weekend, clogging communities with several feet of snow.

A snowstorm blasted the Great Lakes region and cold conditions are expected to remain. CBS News' Rob Marciano reports from Cassadaga, New York, and CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch has the latest weather forecast.