Thursday Snow Squall Timing & Lake Effect Snow Forecast for Pennsylvania; Travel Ban On Some Vehicles On I-80

While the cold air has certainly locked in, many of us are still searching for some festive flakes to make it feel more like the holiday season. However, snow squalls are less festive and more hazardous, and they are likely Thursday morning. Not all areas will be evenly hit. Some locations will see stronger squalls, in a similar fashion to summer thunderstorms.

Lake Effect Snowfall in PA

A clipper system pushing through Southern Canada will be responsible for these snow showers and squalls, and once again firing up the lake effect snow machine. Lake effect snow will start Thursday morning and continue all the way through Saturday morning. Now of course the streamers coming off the lake won’t be locked on one area, but times of heavy snow will be followed by a break.

Snow accumulations will once again be measured in feet, this time across a wider area. Totals shouldn’t be as prolific, but some areas just away from the lake will likely see upwards of two feet of snow. Even inland areas like Bradford, Warren, Meadville, and St. Mary’s will pick up significant accumulations. Below is our snowfall forecast through Saturday morning.

Vehicle Restrictions on Much of I-80 in PA

With the risk of these snow squalls, PennDOT has issued a Tier 2 Vehicle Restriction for much of I-80 in Western and Central PA, which bans certain types of vehicles.

I-80 is unfortunately known for large pile-ups due to snow squalls. Below is an infographic showing the included area and list of banned vehicles. Passenger vehicles and most loaded trucks are allowed with no restrictions.

SNOW SQUALL TIMING FORECAST

Snow squalls will move west to east across the state Thursday morning. Each area above has 4 hour periods when scattered snow squalls are likely. If you are driving and heavy snow with reduced visibility begins, you should gradually decrease speed to an appropriate speed which is often around half the speed limit.

Use your best judgement, and do not hesitate to pull over or exit the interstate. Below are additional tips for driving in snow squalls.