Thanksgiving Lake Effect Snowstorm Likely in Northwest PA; Timing & Snowfall Forecast

While many people in Pennsylvania dream of a White Christmas to no avail, Northwest PA is in its own world. Averaging 8-13 feet of snow of year, it sometimes sees as many feet as Philadelphia sees inches. In fact, some reports near Edinboro were over 200″ last winter, meanwhile Philadelphia saw under 10″.

It’s no surprise especially to those in Northwest PA that we’re talking about snow on Thanksgiving. For the rest of us, just a cold and windy day.

Snow Timing

Lake effect snow will get going around noon Thursday in Northwest PA, with some snow showers making it to North Central PA. Bands will moving easterly at this point.

Moderate to locally heavy lake effect snow will continue into Thursday evening across Northwest PA. Travel will begin to be dicey after sunset Thursday. Road crews may be sparse due to it being Thanksgiving.

As we go into Friday morning, winds will shift WNW, sending the strongest lake effect bands all the way to the Endless Mountains of NEPA. Much of Route 6 from Tioga to the OH border will be slippery.

At the tail end of this event, winds will shift northwesterly, meaning snow showers will be possible along US-422 in Western PA and the Laurel Highlands.

FIRST CALL SNOWFALL FORECAST FOR THANKSGIVING – BLACK FRIDAY LAKE EFFECT

Area A: Snowfall accumulation of 8 – 14″ expected. Snow-covered roads will cause dangerous travel conditions.

Area B: Snowfall accumulation of 4 – 8″ anticipated. Snow-covered roads during times of heavy snow squalls will cause hazardous travel.

Area C: Snowfall accumulation of 2 – 4″ expected. Roads will become slippery around periods of moderate to heavy snow.

Area D: Snowfall accumulation of 1 – 2″ anticipated. Mountainous, steep and windy roads will become treacherous during snow squalls on Friday.

Area E: Snowfall accumulation of less than 1″ expected. Roads should be alright aside from the rogue snow squall Friday.

We will have more updates as we approach Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to share this forecast with family and friends in Northwest PA!