Erie, PA – A Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued for Erie and Crawford Counties in northwest Pennsylvania, where forecasters expect heavy snow and strong winds to create life-threatening travel conditions through 1 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, snow totals could reach 6 to 19 inches, with the heaviest accumulations — 12 inches or more — likely south of I-90 in Erie County and northern Crawford County. Wind gusts up to 50 mph will cause blowing snow and whiteout conditions, reducing visibility below a quarter mile at times.
The storm is expected to begin overnight Wednesday, intensify Thursday and Thursday night, and continue into Friday evening. Forecasters warn that snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, particularly in areas affected by strong lake effect snow bands moving inland from Lake Erie.
Travelers are strongly urged to delay nonessential trips during the holiday period. Officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recommend checking 511PA for road closures and conditions. Drivers should prepare emergency kits and use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.
