Winter can be tough on you, and your home and your car. No one knows that better than the hearty residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, do.
It’s not unusual for the city in northwestern Pennsylvania, which hugs the shores of Lake Erie and is home to Erie Insurance, to get socked with snow, but the recent blitz was memorable and a record breaker. You may have seen the stories on the national news and the Weather Channel about the 34 inches of snow that fell on Christmas Day alone. That was just the start of the storm that continued into January. The city declared a snow emergency, drivers were warned to stay off the roads, stores closed, events were canceled and the National Guard was called in to help.
Photos from Erie Insurance employees and customers (see photos below) offer an insider view of the snow accumulation that sources like Golden Snow Globe say was as much as 133 inches—that’s a whopping 11 feet of snow—as of Jan. 9, 2018.

Shortly after the start of the New Year, Erie, Pennsylvania, was ranked the snowiest city in the country by the Golden Snow Globe website for its enormous snow accumulation—133 inches. Take heeded advice from this city’s winter warriors and be prepared for the cold season. See winter safety tips below the photos.

What does about 7 to 11 feet of snow look like? Lots of things got buried like this vehicle in Erie. Extreme conditions can takes its toll on vehicles, so a winter check-up can be a smart move.

Piles of snow littered neighborhoods. The snow in the yard of the Bennett family almost reached the roofline of their two-story home. Residents also had to worry about heavy snow on roofs, ice dams, gutter damage and flooding once the temperatures warmed up. If you had a winter-related claim, would you be covered? Check in with your local insurance agent to review your coverage.

Erie residents tried to break other records by creating a large snowball that was 13.5 feet high. The Wilcko family joined the fun that was organized by a local radio station HAPPI 92.7, the Erie City Mission and the Millcreek Mall shopping center. If you’re outside for an extended time, it’s always a good idea to bundle up.
Do you have a must-see photo of this record-breaking snow?
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Winter weather safety tips
The extreme conditions are a reminder about preparing for winter and knowing what to do before, during and after the storm. Here is a roundup of some of the best and most popular winter weather posts.
On the road: 5 winter topics for drivers
Heavy snow and slick conditions can cause even the safest drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Here are some pointers to help you get to your destinations safely.
- Debunked: The 7 Biggest Winter Driving Myths
- 12 Tips for Driving in a Whiteout
- How Should I Drive on Black Ice?
- Snow Ruts: Winter’s Most Annoying Driving Hazard
- 14 Hacks to Deal With Snow and Ice on Your Car
Inside and outside your home: 6 winter topics for homeowners
Frozen pipes, slippery sidewalks and weighty ice and snow on roofs can wreak havoc with your home and property. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home inside and out. (Don’t forget to give your pets extra TLC, too.)
- Frozen Water Pipes Still a Danger
- How to Protect Your Home From Melting Snow
- What to Know About Ice Dams
- Who Is Responsible for Shoveling Sidewalks?
- Four Winter Tips for Four-Legged Friends
Another way to take good care of your home and car is by making sure you have the right insurance. The right coverage can really save the day when you need it. Learn how to get great coverage by talking with a local Erie Insurance agent. If you’re a customer and need assistance, review the steps for filing a claim.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.