On Saturday at 1:34 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch valid from Sunday 7 p.m. until Tuesday 7 p.m. for Northern Erie and Southern Erie as well as Crawford County.
“Heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches possible,” describes the weather service. “There may be an elevated risk for scattered power outages due to trees in the local area still have most of their leaves. The combination of leaves on trees and heavy wet snow may bring down large branches on to power lines during this potential early lake effect snow event.”
“Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Snowfall rates may exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour within well organized lake effect snow bands. The gusty winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes as well as the Tuesday morning commute,” explains the weather service. “Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
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