From the National Weather Service:
...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY...
* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches north of I-90 increasing to 12 to 20 inches with locally higher amounts south of I-90. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH north of I-90 and up to 50 MPH south of I-90, mainly Thursday morning,
* WHERE...Northern Erie and Southern Erie Counties.
* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Visibilities will drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Significant drifting of snow is likely, including across some roadways. The strong winds may cause downed trees and power outages. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel is expected to be impossible late tonight and Thursday and should be postponed. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An Arctic front will cross the region tonight and will bring a band of heavier snow with quickly deteriorating conditions, including a quick inch or two of snow, visibility of 1/4 mile or less, and wind gusts to 50 mph. Travel could quickly become difficult across the region with the onset of this winter event. The strongest winds and blizzard conditions are expected late tonight through midday Thursday. Lake effect snow bands will develop Thursday afternoon and be the main concern for the rest of the event through Friday as wind gusts slowly diminish. The strong winds and density of the large snowpack across Northwest Pennsylvania could result in damage to structures.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with
your vehicle.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all travel
restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway, and traffic conditions.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
