Lake-Effect Snow — Northern Erie, Pennsylvania

2024-12-11 to 2024-12-12 · Northern Erie, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Following a cold frontal passage the evening of December 11th, a period of west-southwesterly winds directed moderate to heavy lake effect snow in Erie County from early in the morning December 12th through the afternoon hours. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 MPH led to blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility. Some accidents were reported, including a 4 car accident resulting in one injury along PA Route 5 in Lake City. A peak snow amount of 9 inches was reported by a trained spotter in North East, with a spotter in Harborcreek measuring 7.4 inches. Erie International Airport reported 3.9 inches of snow with this event.

Wider weather episode

Following a cold frontal passage the evening of December 11th, a period of west-southwesterly winds directed moderate to heavy lake effect snow in Erie County from early in the morning December 12th through the afternoon hours. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 MPH led to blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility, with some accidents reported, including along PA Route 5. A peak snow amount of 9 inches was reported by a trained spotter in North East.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1260162. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.