Erie, PA – A Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued for Erie County, Pennsylvania, as forecasters expect heavy snowfall and near-blizzard conditions to develop ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
Meteorologists say 8 to 12 inches of snow are expected across much of Erie County, with localized totals up to 18 inches possible inland. Winds may gust as high as 50 mph, producing whiteout conditions and scattered power outages.
The heaviest snowbands are expected Thursday morning through early afternoon and again Thursday night, when snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour. Forecasters warn that travel could become “very difficult to impossible,” especially on major routes and overpasses during the height of the storm.
Holiday travelers are urged to delay or adjust Thanksgiving plans, as hazardous conditions could impact both local and interstate travel through Friday night. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises drivers to check 511PA.com for real-time updates and to avoid unnecessary travel if possible.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power disruptions and to keep emergency kits in vehicles, including flashlights, blankets, and food supplies. Officials caution that conditions can change rapidly within lake effect snowbands, shifting from clear skies to near-zero visibility within minutes.
