Erie, #PA got 34 inches, yep you read that right– 34″ of #snow in just 24 hours on Christmas Day. That is the most snow they have ever recorded in a single day and snow is still falling in the city. pic.twitter.com/62E556pIBb
— AMHQ (@AMHQ) December 26, 2017
The reality of a White Christmas is beginning to sink in, full force, for residents of Erie, Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service reports that the city (and much of the surrounding area) broke several snowfall records over the holiday with a record 34 inches of snow falling on Christmas Day. And while the storm isn’t quite over yet, meteorologists are raving about other records that have shattered, for Erie saw 53 inches of snow fall in 30 hours. (For reference’s sake, the old one-day record, 20 inches, hails from 1956; and both the old 3-day record, 30 inches, and the old 7-day record, 39 inches, go back to 2002.)
GoErie reports that the city of Erie has declared a snow emergency, and Millcreek Township has joined suit. As a result, commercial and motorcycle traffic has been restricted on multiple interstates (where a lowered 45 mph speed limit is in effect) by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and motorists are being urged to stay home unless they absolutely must travel. Specifically in Millcreek, any drivers who embark onto roads without snow tires or chains may be fined, and on-street parkers are subject to towing.
At the moment, the Erie landscape looks like a sea of white, as seen in social media photos (some with much worse visibility than others).
https://twitter.com/thatgeekdad/status/945655369015099393
Visibility near Erie, PA…not good. 40-50" of #snow has fallen in the last 48 hours. #PAwx pic.twitter.com/LAfZHJRTXu
— Ed Vallee (@EdValleeWx) December 26, 2017
A historic snowfall for #Erie. NWS says 34 inches so far. I’ve spent a couple hours just getting close to being able to get out, with more snow falling. #erielive pic.twitter.com/ErSo8e2IsW
— Doug Oathout (@dougoathoutPA) December 26, 2017
West 11th Street in #Erie has a zombie apocalypse feel, with more people on foot than in cars pic.twitter.com/rIUQSvEXXq
— Tim Hahn (@ETNhahn) December 26, 2017
WOW: Even though it’s a little chilly in Baton Rouge today it could always be worse. This is a look at Erie, Pa. where a record 53 inches of snow fell in ONLY 30 hours. Video from: Clevland 19 News More weather >> https://t.co/gww5bhWDHA pic.twitter.com/FprOzriCYg
— WAFB (@WAFB) December 26, 2017
As one would expect, a number of additional travel advisories are in effect throughout the surrounding area, and CBS Pittsburgh has rounded them up. And for reflective purposes, here’s a serene driving video from Christmas Eve in nearby Albion, Pennsylvania. At that point, Erie had already seen 37 inches of white stuff, and things look much different (and less peaceful) now.
Now THIS is a #WinterWonderland! Check out this snowy drive in Albion, #Pennsylvania. Nearby Erie has seen 37 inches of snow this month. And there’s more to come! pic.twitter.com/pQxEPr32bw
— AMHQ (@AMHQ) December 24, 2017
(Via CBS Local, Erie News Now & GoErie)