...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 19 inches. The greatest snow totals of 12 inches or more are expected south of I-90 in Erie County and the northern portion of Crawford County. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Crawford, Northern Erie, and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...From 1 AM Thursday to 1 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions with 1/4 SM visibility or lower are expected at times and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The hazardous conditions will impact Thanksgiving holiday travel. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake effect snow will begin in far northern Erie County late Wednesday night before the band gradually moves inland Thursday morning. The heaviest snow is expected Thursday and Thursday night when snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. 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. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. 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. &&
