A lake-effect snowstorm hammered Erie, Pennsylvania, Christmas Day into Tuesday, shattering not only city records, but also at least one all-time Pennsylvania snowstorm record.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland says the storm brought 34 inches on Christmas Day — a new all-time daily snowfall record for Erie.
And another 19 inches fell before dawn Tuesday, bringing the total to 53 inches — the greatest two-day total in commonwealth history. The previous record was the 44 inches that fell in Morgantown in March 1958.
If you're just waking up, Erie, PA has picked up an incredible 53" of snow since midnight yesterday pic.twitter.com/GRU6xSysQT
— Greg Diamond (@gdimeweather) December 26, 2017
This prolific event shattered all previous multi-day snowfall records in Erie dating to 1893, according to the National Weather Service office in Cleveland, including:
Two-day snowfall: 26.7 inches (Nov. 24-25, 1950; the "Great Appalachian Storm")
Three-day snowfall: 30.2 inches (Dec. 29-31, 2002)
Seven-day snowfall: 39.8 inches (Dec. 27, 2001 - Jan. 2, 2002)
13-day snowfall: 52.8 inches (Dec. 31, 1998 - Jan. 12, 1999)
So, since 12 AM Christmas Day, #EriePA has gotten over 55 inches of snow. Their average for December and January COMBINED is just over 57 inches. Here's what Erie looks like right now: pic.twitter.com/NigHc79iGD
— Drew (@DrewMacFarlane) December 26, 2017
The city of Erie issued a snow emergency, citing “dangerous and impassable” roads, and asked residents to stay off city streets until the snow stops and roads can reopen.
State police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are urging people to avoid travel, citing poor visibility and deteriorating conditions.
Car? What car? #erie #snow pic.twitter.com/8723SYVQOs
— Brooke Thomas (@Brt330) December 26, 2017
Trying to find my car in Erie, PA! It's like playing "Where's Waldo"? pic.twitter.com/ZfYgXUJZEu
— Kathy B (@ChattyKathy715) December 26, 2017
Just a little snow in #Erie pic.twitter.com/XCiY4q9xK2
— brewjerk (@jerksa41) December 26, 2017
Erie Pennsylvania snowfall record was shattered in the past 24 hours where OVER 53 inches of snow has fallen
— SalenaZito (@SalenaZito) December 26, 2017
53 inches
❄️let that sink in ❄️ pic.twitter.com/Ew9WPu8Z22
The Associated Press contributed to this report.