Erie, PA – The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Erie County, Pennsylvania, with heavy snow and strong winds expected to create life-threatening travel conditions through the busy Thanksgiving holiday period.
The warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Saturday, covering both Northern and Southern Erie counties, including Erie, Corry, Edinboro, and Union City. Forecasters warn of 8 to 12 inches of snow across much of the area, with locally higher totals up to 18 inches possible inland.
According to meteorologists, winds will gust up to 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions and dangerous wind chills. Travel could become very difficult to impossible, especially along the I-90 corridor and rural secondary roads.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Thursday morning and early afternoon, with another strong snowband developing Thursday night into early Friday. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, making it nearly impossible for road crews to keep up.
Officials warn that power outages are possible due to high winds and heavy, wet snow accumulating on trees and power lines. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to carry emergency kits if they must be on the road.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to delay travel, monitor 511pa.com for updates, and prepare for rapidly changing road and visibility conditions.
The National Weather Service cautions that lake effect snow can shift quickly, meaning conditions may vary dramatically over short distances.
