Nearly 20,000 Penelec customers woke up without power in Erie County, including 40% of the customers in City of Erie as of 7:00 am, after powerful thunderstorms roared through the region overnight.
Winds, with gusts clocked at 60 miles per hour, knocked down trees and power lines, leaving widespread debris on city and county streets and roads. Multiple cases of property and vehicle damage were reported. Conditions caused Erie’s Public Schools to close today, releasing the following statement: ATTENTION: Due to the Extreme Weather and Power Outages Across the City and in our schools, classes are CANCELLED today. All Schools are closed today 9/3/2026.
The City of Erie posted on its social media: Last night’s storm has caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and hazardous conditions throughout the City. Please stay off the roads if you can. If you must travel, use extreme caution.
- Traffic signals are currently out or flashing, so treat every intersection as a four-way stop. Watch for standing water, downed trees, and other hazards.
- If you see a downed power line, stay away and do not touch it. Treat every downed line as energized and call 911 to report it.
- Do not drive around barricades or attempt to move trees or debris from roadways.
Our City crews and emergency responders have been working throughout the night to respond to hazards as quickly as possible and keep our community safe.
Also, Erie County Government released: Due to last night’s severe weather and power outages, the main Erie County Courthouse is closed today, including all courts and county offices. In an update: The Erie County courthouse on W. 6th St. is closed today. Employees who work at a location outside the courthouse, please check with your supervisor to see if you have power. If so, you should plan to report to work today.
Motorists should be alert to roads impacted by debris and blockages.
