Frost/Freeze in Southern Erie, Pennsylvania

Above normal temperatures in March and above normal to record high temperatures in early April in Northwest Pennsylvania allowed for area fruit crops to begin budding ahead of schedule in April. A low pressure system brought several rounds of snow to the region on April 20-21 and residual snow allowed for temperatures to cool considerably with low temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s into the morning of the 22nd. For area farmers, the combination of snow and cold damaged area grape crops in interior portions of Erie County, Pennsylvania. The area with the most damage was in portions of Harborcreek and North East Townships near Interstate 90. These vineyards were heavily damaged with an estimated 85 to 95% crop loss on the first shoots of grapes. In some areas, some of these first shoots were only slightly damaged but the second shoots of grapes were delayed after an unimpressive first batch of grapes. Local news reports relay that some of the area will have only half a grape crop for the year. Area apple and cherry crops were also damaged prompting smaller yields.