"Lake effect" snow/rain/fog is a weather phenomenon based on the precipitation effects of an air mass that has locally picked up water from the lake and shedding that water when the mass reaches land. It's why the first 3-10 miles (first couple of major hills usually do it) to the south or east of each of the Great Lakes might commonly have rain-storms, or snow when no real front is going through.
Or west. Don't forget west.
A town near the west shore of Lake Michigan had nearly 10 inches of lake effect snow two weeks ago. No other towns in the area got so much as a flake. The next day it happened again but was a bit more widespread.
When we get it it's off the bay (which Bit says ISN'T REALLY A BAY.)