Severe winter weather is expected to impact travel conditions across northwestern Pennsylvania and parts of New York this Thanksgiving weekend. A combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and limited visibility is forecast, particularly along major highways, which could pose significant challenges for travelers.
The most intense snowfall is predicted to occur from Friday into Saturday, with additional accumulations possible into Sunday and the following week. Notably, Chautauqua County in New York is under a lake-effect snow warning, with some locations expecting between 2 to 3 feet of snow.
On Thursday morning, the National Weather Service in Cleveland issued a lake-effect snow warning for Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Ashtabula County in Ohio, predicting up to 18 inches of snow from early Friday until Saturday morning. This warning replaced a previous winter storm watch that was issued just a day earlier.
Historical context adds to this weather event; for instance, Erie faced a memorable Thanksgiving storm back in 1956 when 24 inches of snow fell. Current forecasts indicate that Erie and Crawford counties could receive between 6 to 18 inches of snow, with localized bands potentially delivering 1 to 2 inches per hour. Wind gusts are expected to reach 35 mph, leading to treacherous travel conditions, particularly on interstates 90, 79, and 86.
In preparation for the storm, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced plans to implement Tier I travel restrictions starting Friday morning at 1 a.m. These restrictions will limit speeds to 45 mph and will require some commercial vehicles to stay in the right lane while forbidding others from using certain roadways. Anticipated Tier IV restrictions will take effect Friday at 5 a.m., prohibiting all commercial vehicles and certain passenger vehicles from traveling on impacted interstates.
In Chautauqua County, the lake-effect snow warning is set from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Monday, with predictions of 2 to 3 feet of snow in the most severely affected areas. The New York State Thruway Authority has issued travel advisories for I-90 in light of the approaching snow.
While unusual and severe winter weather can pose dangers, it also presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, ensuring that everyone’s safety remains a priority. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through local forecasts and to exercise caution when traveling during this wintry weekend.
For those looking for the latest weather updates, GoErie.com will provide continuous coverage, including forecasts, radar images, and advisories. Safety is paramount, and while the snowfall may be heavy, it also ushers in the beauty of the winter season.