A White Christmas...And Then Some!

Another storm will hit our region.

So here is a summary of what is going on:

- A strong storm system (currently down around Louisiana, Arkansas) will move into our region tomorrow morning.  The storm will move to our east so we'll be on the cold back side of the system.

- Heavy snow will fall during the day Wednesday and into the overnight hours of Thursday. Winds will be strong at times as well which will cause blowing and drifting snow and hazardous driving conditions. 

- This has prompted the NWS to issue a BLIZZARD WARNING for Lake shore Erie County.  Inland Erie, Crawford, Venango, and the rest of NW PA is under a WINTER STORM WARNING.

- Areas along the lake shore will experience even stronger winds off the lake and this will cause visibilities up there to be 0 at times which is why a BLIZZARD Warning is issued for them.

- Snow will taper off early Thursday.

- Accumulations (my forecast) are expected to be around 10"-17" for most of the county.

Snowfall Totals (Friday-Saturday)

Winter is here. If you don't believe me, then look out your window.  Plenty of lake effect snow blanketed the area Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.  All of the county fell between 8"-19" with the higher amounts ranging from Meadville to Spartansburg.  Here is an accumluation map from the past 2 days. Enjoy.

Here is a picture of our deck in Townville.  Check out the 17.5".

Thanks to all of the people who submitted snowfall reports!

Kicking Off Winter Just Right...

Big picture of the storm that will affect us.
Source: NOAA

Winter officially begins December 21st (Friday) and how appropriate that mother nature is sending us a big snow storm to kick the season off the right way.  The storm is already moving into the area and will bring slightly above average temperatures and rain for today.  However, as the system keeps moving through, we will be greeted with the cold backside and this is when things will begin to get nasty.  Temperatures will drop tonight and the snow is expected to start around 2 AM.  Accumulations tonight won't be too impressive, a dusting to 2" is possible around the county.  Winds will also be gusty.  The actual lake effect snow showers kick in tomorrow as a northwesterly flow starts over the lake.  This will give us the classic lake effect scenario which we all love (well maybe not all).  Conditions will gradually get worse as the day progresses Friday, with the heaviest snow falling late evening and overnight.  Accumulations during the day are expected to be around 2"-5". Strong winds will cause blowing snow which will reduce visibilities and make driving difficult so take it slow out there if you are driving.  Friday night is when the bulk of the snow will fall.  I'm looking at accumulations being  around 4"-8", with the heaviest in the snow belt.   Some areas could even eclipse the 8" mark. The heavy snow showers will continue through Saturday morning and will eventually die off as the day progresses.  Additional accumulations for Saturday look to be another 2"-5", mainly early.  Things clear out for Sunday.

Snowfall predictions from some of the weather model ensembles (SREF).
This is for Port Meadville Airport and does not reflect the snow belt.

Current Advisories:

A Winter Storm Warning Is In Effect From 4 Am Friday To 7 Pm Est Saturday

The Wind Advisory is cancelled for Crawford, but continues for Erie. 

Winds will still be gusty however, with gusts up to 55 mph possible.

A Winter Storm Warning Is In Effect for Crawford.  Purple color is a Watch.
Source: NWS CLEVELAND

Accumulations...

Friday: 2"-5", heaviest across Northern Crawford (Springboro to Spartansburg)  

Friday Night: 4"-8", heaviest across Northern Crawford. 

Saturday: 2"-5", mainly early, heaviest in Northern Crawford.



Total Accumulations through Saturday evening: 10"-18" for most, snow belt will receive the highest.

Important notes:

Don't drive if you don't have to.  Road conditions will be terrible and PENNDOT will have trouble keeping up with the roads when the snow falls at high rates.

If you do drive, take it slow and be smart.  Make sure to clean your car off.

Blowing and drifting snow will be a concern.