Lake Effect Snow Warning 12/04/2024 01:42 for Pennsylvania areas

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 18 inches with locally higher amounts where bands persist and in the higher terrain of southern and eastern Erie County and northern Crawford County. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph near the lakeshore with gusts to 45 mph inland. * WHERE...Crawford, Northern Erie, and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the commutes from Wednesday evening through Friday evening. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and power lines. * 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. Lake effect snow bands will develop tonight and be the main concern for the rest of the event through Friday. Strong wind gusts as high as 50 mph may result in blowing snow and local reductions in visibility. Additionally, the gusty winds and density of the large snowpack across Northwest Pennsylvania could result in damage to structures.