Erie, PA – A dangerous lake-effect snowstorm is building across the Lake Erie shoreline and inland hills this Thanksgiving morning, with intense snowbands expected to drop more than a foot of snow in areas south of I-90. Blowing snow and 50 mph gusts will create life-threatening whiteouts at times, making travel extremely hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. Weather Today – Thanksgiving Day 2025 through early Saturday for Northern Erie, Southern Erie, and Crawford Counties. Forecasters expect 6 to 19 inches of snow, with the heaviest totals south of Erie and into northern Crawford County. According to meteorologists, snowfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour as stronger bands push inland during the morning. According to PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, rapid visibility drops and drifting snow could shut down segments of I-90, I-79, and Route 19, especially during peak holiday travel.
Snow developing over Lake Erie overnight will push steadily inland after sunrise. Untreated roads will become snow-covered quickly as bands intensify. Winds near 50 mph will also bring the risk of fallen branches and isolated power outages. Drivers may encounter sudden transitions from dry pavement to complete whiteouts.
Officials strongly encourage residents to delay all non-essential travel. Those who must travel should keep emergency supplies in their vehicle—flashlight, food, water, blankets—and exercise extreme caution on hills, ramps, and open farmland where drifting is most severe.
Bands wobble through Friday with additional bursts before weakening Friday night.
