Erie and Crawford counties are facing a significant lake-effect snow warning from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service anticipates an impressive snow accumulation of between 10 to 18 inches, with the possibility of even greater totals in certain locations.
Wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph could create perilous travel conditions, leading to reduced visibility as snow blows across roadways. There is also a risk of damage to structures due to the combination of heavy snow and strong winds. This weather warning comes as parts of Erie County are already recovering from several feet of snow that fell after Thanksgiving.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland announced this lake-effect snow warning will take effect at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and will remain in force until 1 a.m. on Saturday. This warning supersedes a winter storm watch issued earlier and follows an expired lake-effect snow warning that lasted until Tuesday evening.
Areas specifically mentioned in the alert include Corry, Union City, Edinboro, and Erie, where residents should prepare for deteriorating conditions. An Arctic front is expected to sweep through the region on Wednesday night, bringing the potential for heavy snow. Forecasts indicate that travel conditions may worsen quickly, with snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches accompanied by visibility dropping to as low as one-fourth of a mile and wind gusts up to 45 mph.
As the night progresses, bands of lake-effect snow are projected to develop, leading to further snow accumulation and hazardous conditions. The forecast for Erie indicates snow showers on Wednesday, with predictions of 3 to 5 inches of new snow expected overnight.
Looking ahead, Thursdays might see heavy snow, accumulating an estimated 4 to 8 inches during the day, with another 2 to 4 inches at night. On Friday, snow showers are likely, accumulating an additional inch to 3 inches during the day and 2 inches to 4 inches at night. There is a forecast for a warmup by Sunday, with anticipated temperatures rising above 44 degrees.
As residents prepare for the impending winter weather, it is important to stay informed and make necessary travel arrangements. The changing conditions highlight the resilience of communities facing winter challenges, and the warm-up expected later in the week offers hope for relief after the storm.
Stay updated on the weather in the Erie area through local news outlets and weather apps to ensure safety during this period of extreme weather.