Erie County is currently under a blizzard warning until Saturday at 1 a.m., prompted by heavy lake-effect snow and high winds affecting the region. Surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio are also facing lake-effect snow warnings, with significant snowfall anticipated.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has upgraded the alert for Erie County from a lake-effect storm warning. Forecasts indicate that snowfall could reach between 10 to 18 inches north of Interstate 90 and between 12 to 20 inches south of it, with some areas possibly experiencing even higher totals.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has enacted speed reductions and Tier 3 restrictions on interstates 79, 86, and 90, barring certain vehicles from traveling on these roads in response to the dangerous conditions. As blizzard conditions persist, travelers are advised to avoid unnecessary trips as visibility may drop to less than a quarter-mile, creating treacherous and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Winds are expected to gust up to 60 mph north of I-90 and 50 mph to the south, with significant drifting and risks of downed trees and power outages. The worst of the conditions is expected to last through Thursday midday but will continue in some form after that.
The forecast for Erie includes periods of heavy snow with total accumulations likely reaching upwards of 5 inches by Thursday evening. The temperatures will hover around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with chilly lows around 26 degrees overnight. More snow is anticipated on Friday and Saturday, but conditions are expected to improve by Sunday with warmer temperatures approaching 44 degrees.
Nearby regions are facing similar severe weather, with Crawford County expecting significant snowfall, Warren County under a lake-effect snow warning, and additional warnings affecting counties in neighboring states.
As residents prepare for the harsh weather ahead, it is a good time to remind everyone to stay safe and keep informed about weather conditions. Despite the challenging situation, communities can come together to assist each other, and the prospect of improved weather later in the weekend offers hope for a swift return to normalcy.
For ongoing updates, keep an eye on local news outlets and utilize weather apps for real-time information.