United States: Heavy snowfall in Erie December 25-26

Event

Heavy lake-effect snowfall in Erie, Pennsylvania prompted transportation disruptions on Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26. As of Tuesday evening (local time), over 147 cm (58 in) of snow has fallen in Erie since the night of Sunday, December 24. Erie officials declared a snow emergency on Tuesday morning. Significant transportation disruptions have been reported due to the heavy snowfall: local officials have discouraged motorists from traveling on snowbound streets in Erie and on Interstates 79, 86, and 90, where reduced speeds have been enforced. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority suspended all bus services at 21:00 on Tuesday; it is unclear when regularly scheduled bus service will resume. Numerous flight delays and cancelations were reported at Erie International Airport (ERI) on Monday and Tuesday; most flights scheduled on Wednesday remain on time as of Tuesday evening.

Additional snowfall accumulation of around 17.8 cm (7 in) is expected in Erie county on Tuesday night into the morning of Wednesday, December 27. Consequent continued transportation disruptions are expected in Erie in the coming hours and days.

Context

Lake-effect snowfall occurs when cold air masses absorb potentially significant amounts of water vapor from warmer lakes, forming cloud bands that often produce heavy snow accumulations. The areas of the United States most regularly affected by lake-effect snow include the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, western Michigan, central New York, western New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, and northeastern Ohio.

Advice

Individuals in Erie and surrounding areas of northwestern Pennsylvania are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.