Alert archive / Pennsylvania / Lake Effect Snow Warnings in 2021

Lake Effect Snow Warning 1, NWS Cleveland, OH

January 18, 2021Erie County, Pennsylvania

NWS Cleveland, OH issued this lake effect snow warning at Jan 18, 2021, 8:47 AM EST for Erie County, Pennsylvania. It was in force for 13 hr. 18 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jan 18, 2021, 8:47 AM EST (13:47 UTC)
Expired
Jan 18, 2021, 9:49 PM EST
In force
13 hr
Issued by
NWS Cleveland, OH

County Erie County, PA

The radar

The Buffalo radar (KBUF), 145 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 13:50 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jan 18, 9:00 AM ESTSNOW 52 Ssw Corry, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 9:50 AM ESTSNOW 33 Ne Mckean, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 10:09 AM ESTSNOW 3.51 Wnw North East, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 11:00 AM ESTSNOW 5.54 S Wesleyville, PA6-HOUR SNOWFALL. SNOWFALL SINCE 7 AM
Jan 18, 11:25 AM ESTSNOW 33 Ssw Wesleyville, PASNOWFALL SINCE 9 AM
Jan 18, 1:00 PM ESTSNOW 8Erie Intl Airport, PA6-HOUR SNOWFALL. SNOWFALL SINCE 7 AM
Jan 18, 4:13 PM ESTSNOW 41 Nnw Girard, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 5:14 PM ESTSNOW 31 Nw Harborcreek, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 5:59 PM ESTSNOW 13.42 Wsw Erie, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 6:00 PM ESTSNOW 134 Se Harborcreek, PA24-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 7:00 PM ESTSNOW 11Erie Intl Airport, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 7:02 PM ESTSNOW 6.42 Ese North East, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 7:05 PM ESTSNOW 114 S Wesleyville, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 7:55 PM ESTSNOW 41 Wnw North East, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 8:00 PM ESTSNOW 10.54 W Colt Station, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 8:10 PM ESTSNOW 93 Se North East, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 8:17 PM ESTSNOW 3.83 Ene Mckean, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.
Jan 18, 9:31 PM ESTSNOW 43 Ne Mckean, PA12-HOUR SNOWFALL.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Buffalo Intl Airport, NY (KBUF), launched 12:00Z, 1.8 hours before the alert went out and 146 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Buffalo Intl Airport, NY at 12:00Z on 2021-01-18Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Buffalo Intl Airport, NY at 12:00Z on 2021-01-18The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -84 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
578 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
10 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-84 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-103 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

591 
WWUS41 KCLE 181347
WSWCLE

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
847 AM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

PAZ002-182200-
/O.UPG.KCLE.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KCLE.LE.W.0001.210118T1347Z-210119T0600Z/
Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Edinboro, Corry, and Union City
847 AM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow occurring. Additional snow
  accumulations through this evening of 3 to 6 inches, especially
  far northeast portion of Erie County near I-86. With reports of
  3 to 5 inches already on the ground this morning, this new snow
  will allow for storm totals of 6 to 10 inches in the warning 
  area.

* WHERE...Southern Erie county.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of moderate to heavy snow is
  occurring and will impact the northeast portion of Erie County 
  through early afternoon. Snowfall rates up to an inch per hour 
  and visibility reduced to less than one half mile at times will 
  create hazardous travel conditions along portions of Interstate 
  86 and Interstate 90, mainly northeast of Erie. Additional 
  moderate to heavy snow is again possible late this afternoon 
  through this evening, although uncertainty exists with the exact
  location of the snow bands. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all
travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Visit
www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway, and traffic
conditions.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4221 7979 4212 8004 4208 8008 4205 8020 
        4200 8020 4195 8009 4196 7989 4198 7989 4200 7962 
        4203 7976 
TIME Y21M01D18T1300Z-Y21M01D19T0600Z

$$

PAZ001-182200-
/O.CON.KCLE.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
Northern Erie-
Including the city of Erie
847 AM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations
  of 2 to 4 inches with higher amounts expected in the far
  northeast portion of the county.

* WHERE...Northern Erie county.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways. Visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway, and
traffic conditions.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/cle
3 follow-up statements
915 
WWUS41 KCLE 181528
WSWCLE

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
1028 AM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

PAZ001-182330-
/O.UPG.KCLE.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
/O.EXA.KCLE.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
Northern Erie-
Including the city of Erie
1028 AM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow occurring. Additional snow
  accumulations through this evening of 3 to 5 inches, especially
  far northeast portion of Erie County. With reports of 3 to 5
  inches already on the ground this morning, this new snow will
  allow for storm totals of 6 to 10 inches in the warning area.

* WHERE...Northern Erie county.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of moderate to heavy snow is
  occurring and will impact Erie County through early afternoon.
  Snowfall rates up to an inch per hour and visibility reduced to
  less than one half mile at times will create hazardous travel
  conditions along portions of Interstate 86 and Interstate 90,
  mainly from Erie and east. Additional moderate to heavy snow is
  again possible late this afternoon through this evening, 
  although uncertainty exists with the exact location of the snow 
  bands.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all
travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Visit
www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway, and traffic
conditions.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4212 7978 4227 7975 4215 8013 4209 8022 
        4200 8020 4195 8009 4196 7989 4198 7989 4200 7962 
        4206 7976 
TIME Y21M01D18T1500Z-Y21M01D19T0600Z

$$

PAZ002-182330-
/O.CON.KCLE.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Edinboro, Corry, and Union City
1028 AM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow occurring. Additional snow
  accumulations through this evening of 3 to 5 inches, especially
  far northeast portion of Erie County. With reports of 3 to 5
  inches already on the ground this morning, this new snow will
  allow for storm totals of 6 to 10 inches in the warning area.

* WHERE...Southern Erie county.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of moderate to heavy snow is
  occurring and will impact Erie County through early afternoon.
  Snowfall rates up to an inch per hour and visibility reduced to
  less than one half mile at times will create hazardous travel
  conditions along portions of Interstate 86 and Interstate 90,
  mainly from Erie and east. Additional moderate to heavy snow is
  again possible late this afternoon through this evening, 
  although uncertainty exists with the exact location of the snow 
  bands.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all
travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Visit
www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway, and traffic
conditions.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4212 7978 4227 7975 4215 8013 4209 8022 
        4200 8020 4195 8009 4196 7989 4198 7989 4200 7962 
        4206 7976 
TIME Y21M01D18T1500Z-Y21M01D19T0600Z

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/cle
727 
WWUS41 KCLE 182008
WSWCLE

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
308 PM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

PAZ001-002-190600-
/O.CON.KCLE.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
Northern Erie-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Erie, Edinboro, Corry, and Union City
308 PM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow occurring. Additional snow
  accumulations of 2 to 4 inches expected through this evening,
  primarily in far northeast Erie County. 

* WHERE...Northern Erie and Southern Erie counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A convergent band of lake effect snow
  brought heavy snow to much of Erie County today, resulting in
  new snow amounts of 4 to 10 inches. This band continues to bring
  snow over portions of Erie County this afternoon but has waned
  slightly in intensity as it slowly slides north. The main window
  for snow will be over the next several hours and suspect that
  this band will be back over Lake Erie and into western New York
  by this evening. Snowfall rates up to one inch per hour are
  still possible with this band and will be an issue for
  Interstate 90 east of Erie and Interstate 86 through early this
  evening. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all
travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Visit
www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway, and traffic
conditions.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4212 7978 4227 7975 4215 8013 4209 8022 
        4200 8020 4195 8009 4196 7989 4198 7989 4200 7962 
        4206 7976 
TIME Y21M01D18T1500Z-Y21M01D19T0600Z

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/cle
318 
WWUS41 KCLE 190249
WSWCLE

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
949 PM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

PAZ001-002-190400-
/O.CAN.KCLE.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0600Z/
Northern Erie-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Erie, Edinboro, Corry, and Union City
949 PM EST Mon Jan 18 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The lake effect snow band that produced several inches of snow
across Erie County in Pennsylvania has dissipated.  

There is the potential for more significant snowfall Tuesday
evening as the band redevelops.

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/cle

Nearby

Lake Effect Snow Warnings in Pennsylvania, 2021Every lake effect snow warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.