ERIE, Pennsylvania — Snow and blowing snow disrupted travel Friday along Interstate 79 from the Interstate 90 interchange south toward Meadville, where 2 to 5 inches of snow fell between early Friday morning and 1 a.m. Saturday, sharply degrading driving conditions across northwest Pennsylvania’s primary commuter corridors.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland kept a Winter Weather Advisory in effect through early Saturday for Crawford County and both northern and southern Erie County, warning that wind gusts reaching 45 miles per hour would combine with falling temperatures to produce blowing and drifting snow later Friday.
A round of light to moderate snow covered roads during the morning commute, particularly along Interstate 90 and United States Route 20 near Erie and Harborcreek. After a brief afternoon lull, snow showers and fast-moving squalls redeveloped toward evening, rapidly cutting visibility and increasing stopping distances, according to forecasters.
Travel impacts stretched across multiple corridors. Along Interstate 79, slick and wind-blown snow affected Meadville, Union City, and Edinboro, while United States Route 6 deteriorated through Crawford County near Titusville and east toward Corry. Near the lakeshore, Interstate 90 and United States Route 20 turned hazardous through Erie, Wesleyville, and North East, where crosswinds pushed snow back onto treated lanes. Route 19 also saw rapid visibility drops as gusts funneled through open terrain south of Erie.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews continued plowing and treating primary routes, but officials warned that snow squalls Friday evening could briefly overwhelm road crews and create near-whiteout conditions.
The advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Saturday, with winds easing overnight. Any lingering slick spots may persist early Saturday morning before gradual improvement later in the day as snow tapers off.
