ERIE, Pa. – A strong blast of cold air over Lake Erie will unleash a long-duration lake-effect snow event beginning tonight and lasting into Tuesday evening, with bands expected to dump 4 to 7 inches of heavy, wet snow across northwest Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service warns that travel could quickly deteriorate under intense snow bursts, especially during Monday’s and Tuesday’s commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Sunday evening through Tuesday evening for Crawford and both Northern and Southern Erie Counties. Within well-organized lake-effect bands, snowfall rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour, dropping visibility below one-quarter mile at times.
Gusty winds and heavy, wet snow could also weigh down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered power outages, especially where leaves remain on trees. The most persistent bands are expected to target areas south and east of Erie, including Edinboro, Meadville, and Union City, while locations closer to the lakeshore may see periods of mixed precipitation.
Motorists along I-79, I-90, and U.S. 6 should expect rapidly changing conditions, from brief lulls to near whiteouts in heavier snow bands. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for power disruptions, and keep emergency kits in vehicles.
This marks the first major lake-effect event of the season, signaling winter’s early arrival across the southern Lake Erie snowbelt.
