Erie Braces for a Snowy Weekend: What You Need to Know

Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania are in for a wild ride this weekend. A winter storm warning is in effect from the evening of January 24th until the afternoon of January 26th. This isn't just a little snow; we're talking about a significant winter event. The National Weather Service is predicting 7 to 10 inches of snow in these areas, with some spots like Corry and Edinboro potentially seeing up to 15 inches. That's a lot of snow! The heaviest snowfall is expected during the daytime on January 25th. This means travel could be tricky, especially during the morning commute on January 26th. Road conditions might be hazardous, and visibility could be low. It's not just the snow you have to worry about, though. Wind chills are expected to drop below zero overnight on both January 24th and 25th. That's dangerously cold. Let's talk numbers. On January 24th, Erie can expect partly sunny skies with a high of around 11 degrees. But don't let the sunshine fool you; wind chills could feel as low as minus 14. Overnight, temperatures will rise slightly to around 13 by 4 a. m. , but wind chills will remain brutally low, down to minus 3. Light snow is also possible.January 25th is when things get serious. Snow is expected to start falling after 7 a. m. and could be heavy at times. The Erie area could see 3 to 5 inches of accumulation, with up to 7 inches in Corry and Edinboro. The high will be around 20, but winds from the east at around 10 mph will make it feel much colder. More snow is likely overnight, with an additional 3 to 5 inches possible. On January 26th, the storm will start to wind down, but there's still a chance for 1 to 2 inches of snow before the warning is lifted. Winds will shift to the west, blowing at 10 to 17 mph, with a high near 15. Overnight lows will drop to around 3, kicking off a week of chilly temperatures in the teens during the day and single digits at night. This storm is part of a larger system affecting the entire state. Some areas of Pennsylvania could see up to 2 feet of snow. In response, Governor Josh Shapiro has declared a state of emergency. Tier 4 vehicle restrictions are in place on interstates and the turnpike, meaning only certain vehicles are allowed on the roads. Lake Erie is mostly frozen, adding to the winter wonderland feel. If you have to be outside, dress like you're going hunting or skiing. Layer up and cover exposed skin to protect against the extreme cold. PennDOT has shut down all driver license and photo centers on January 26th and 27th, so if you had plans to visit one, you'll need to reschedule.