National Guard Deployed as Erie County PA Buried in Heavy ‘Lake-Effect Snow’

Nov 30, 2024

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ERIE COUNTY, PA (THECOUNT) — Governor Josh Shapiro has mobilized the Pennsylvania National Guard to assist Erie County residents and emergency responders as lake-effect snow blankets the area, stranding vehicles and shutting down roadways. Shapiro made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday, emphasizing that state resources are actively working to address the crisis.

According to WJET, parts of Erie County have been inundated with 1 to 3 feet of snow, leaving cars buried and dozens of vehicles, including emergency response units, immobilized overnight on local roads. Major highways remain closed as crews struggle to clear snow drifts exacerbated by strong winds and freezing temperatures.

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Governor Shapiro stated, “Our teams at @PEMAHQ, @PAStatePolice, and @PennDOTNews have been on the ground overnight to help their fellow Pennsylvanians as the impacts of heavy lake-effect snow hit Erie County. At the county’s request, I’ve called in the @PANationalGuard who are now on the ground to help any stranded drivers and make sure emergency responders can get to folks who need them. I’ve also signed a disaster declaration for Erie County to send all necessary resources to the area. Stay off the roads if you can, be safe, and follow instructions from your local authorities.”

The disaster declaration, issued at Erie County’s request, is intended to streamline the allocation of state resources to mitigate the storm’s impact on public health, safety, and infrastructure. It remains unclear how many National Guard members have been deployed under this declaration.

Lake-Effect Snow: A Persistent Threat

The intense snowfall is a result of lake-effect snow, a weather phenomenon common in areas downwind of the Great Lakes. When cold air moves across the warmer lake waters, it absorbs heat and moisture, leading to the formation of heavy snow showers upon reaching land. Erie County, located along Lake Erie, is particularly vulnerable to these conditions, which can result in sudden, localized snow accumulations.

Lake-Effect Snow

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves across the relatively warmer waters of a large lake, such as the Great Lakes in North America. Here’s how it works:

1. Cold Air Mass

A cold, dry air mass typically comes from Canada or the northern US, moving over the lake.

2. Moisture Pick-Up

As this cold air passes over the warmer lake water, it picks up moisture and heat from the lake. The warmth from the lake causes the lower part of the air mass to become warmer than the upper part, leading to instability.

3. Rising Air

This moisture-laden air rises due to buoyancy, cools as it ascends, and since cooler air can hold less moisture than warm air, the water vapor condenses into cloud droplets or ice crystals.

4. Cloud Formation

The rising air forms clouds, often in narrow bands, which are known as lake-effect clouds. These clouds can produce heavy snow showers or squalls.

5. Snowfall

When these clouds reach the leeward (downwind) side of the lake, they encounter land, which is usually colder than the lake. This causes the air to cool further, and the moisture condenses into snow, sometimes leading to very intense, localized snowfalls.

Lake-effect snow can result in significant accumulations, often in very specific areas depending on wind direction and the shape of the lakeshore. This phenomenon can create stark contrasts in snow amounts over short distances, where one area might get buried while another remains relatively snow-free.

This type of snow is particularly notorious around the Great Lakes, where cities like Buffalo, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, can experience heavy lake-effect snow events, sometimes leading to whiteout conditions and significant disruptions.

This week’s snowstorm has highlighted the challenges posed by lake-effect snow, as some areas remain relatively unaffected while others grapple with near-paralyzing conditions.

Travel Warnings and Safety Recommendations

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and local authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant by monitoring forecasts and official updates. For those who must travel, officials recommend:

  • Completely clearing snow and ice from vehicles before driving.
  • Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to prevent collisions.
  • Carrying essential supplies, including blankets, food, water, and a phone charger.
  • Reducing speed and exercising extreme caution on icy or snow-covered roads.

To assist stranded motorists and ensure access for emergency responders, National Guard members are focused on clearing roadways and providing support to local agencies. Meanwhile, PennDOT crews continue working around the clock to restore access to key transportation routes.

Looking Ahead

As Erie County battles this early winter storm, residents are reminded to stay indoors whenever possible, ensure they have sufficient supplies, and heed the advice of local officials. For real-time updates on road closures, weather alerts, and emergency services, visit WJET.com or follow @PEMAHQ on social media.

The storm serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather in the Great Lakes region and the importance of preparedness as the season progresses.

Erie County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the northernmost county in Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 270,876. Its county seat is Erie. The county was created in 1800 and later organized in 1803. The county is part of the Northwest Pennsylvania region of the state.

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