Cleveland, OH — A surge of much colder air moving across the Great Lakes this morning is expected to trigger lake-effect snow development, primarily affecting northwest Pennsylvania beginning this afternoon and continuing at times into Monday. The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania, where more persistent snow bands may set up.
The advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. today through 1 p.m. Monday, with forecasters calling for 4 to 6 inches of accumulation, especially across the higher terrain of eastern Erie and Crawford counties. Locally higher totals are possible in areas where lake-effect bands remain stationary for extended periods.
Forecasters note that the setup includes colder air flowing over the relatively warmer lake waters, generating narrow but intense snow bands capable of producing quick bursts of accumulation and reduced visibility. Gusty winds up to 40 mph may accompany the heaviest snow, creating pockets of hazardous travel. Roads could become snow-covered and slippery, especially during the late afternoon and overnight hours when temperatures dip below freezing.
In contrast, much of northern Ohio—including Cleveland, Toledo, Sandusky, and the traditional “snowbelt” areas—will see only light flurries or brief snow showers. Limited moisture and wind alignment are expected to prevent more widespread snow formation on the Ohio side of Lake Erie.
Motorists traveling east toward Erie, Meadville, and surrounding communities should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. The NWS advises allowing extra travel time, reducing speeds, and using headlights whenever visibility drops in snow or blowing snow.
Conditions will gradually improve Monday afternoon as winds shift and lake-effect activity weakens. Temperatures will remain colder through mid-week, with highs generally in the 30s and lower 40s.
