Erie County is currently under a blizzard warning that will remain in effect until Saturday at 1 a.m., caused by heavy lake-effect snow and strong winds. This warning extends to surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, all of which are also experiencing lake-effect snow warnings with significant expected snowfall.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has responded by implementing speed reductions and Tier 3 restrictions on major interstates, including 79, 86, and 90. This bans certain vehicle types from traveling on these roads to ensure safety.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Erie County has been elevated from a lake-effect storm warning. The area could see snow accumulations ranging from 10 to 18 inches north of Interstate 90 and between 12 to 20 inches to the south, with localized higher totals possible.
Wind gusts are forecasted to reach up to 60 mph in the northern regions and 50 mph south of I-90 on Thursday morning, contributing to dangerously low visibility and potentially life-threatening whiteout conditions. Travel is strongly discouraged during this period. High winds may also lead to leaning trees and cause power outages, further complicating the situation.
As the snow continues into Friday, additional accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with heavier snow possible on Friday night. The weather forecast predicts a continuation of snow showers into Saturday before tapering off in the afternoon.
Hope is on the horizon as temperatures are set to rise, with a high of 44 degrees expected on Sunday, leading to a potential reprieve from the current winter storm conditions.
The adverse weather is affecting not only Erie County but also neighboring regions. Crawford County is anticipating snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, while Warren County can expect between 3 to 12 inches. Other nearby counties are under similar warnings with varying predictions of snowfall and wind gusts.
For residents of the Erie area, staying updated on changing weather conditions is essential. Up-to-date forecasts and radar images, as well as local weather conditions, can be accessed through GoErie.com and its mobile application.
In summary, while the current blizzard poses significant challenges, there are signs of improvement as temperatures rise in the coming days. The community’s preparedness and adherence to safety recommendations will help navigate these severe weather conditions.