Snow Squall Quick Facts
Snow Squall Awareness Week: November 14-18, 2022
What is a Snow Squall?
A snow squall is a brief, but intense period of heavy snow accompanied by strong winds and whiteout conditions. Similar to a thunderstorm during the summer, snow squalls often form on days when it is otherwise sunny and dry, so conditions change very rapidly when a squall occurs, just as they do during a thunderstorm.
Why are Snow Squalls Dangerous?
Snow squalls are really only hazardous for drivers, leading to multi-vehicle accidents. Why? The following two factors from snow squalls often combine, resulting in impossible driving conditions:
- A reduction in visibility. Visibility is often reduced below a quarter mile thanks to heavy snowfall and gusty winds. These factors make it difficult for drivers to see what lies ahead, especially when traveling at high speeds on roadways. Remember, during a snow squall, you can go from clear and perfect conditions to a whiteout in seconds.
- Icy roadways. Initially, the road is dry and often above freezing. As the burst of snow falls, it lands on the road and melts, dropping the temperature. The water freezes on the roadway, making for slick conditions.
What to do if a Snow Squall Warning is Issued?
The National Weather Service now issues Snow Squall Warnings to alert the motoring public of these potential dangers. However, if you don’t have a way to receive these alerts, you may be unaware of the dangerous conditions ahead. Here’s what you can do.
- Be sure to pay attention to weather forecasts in advance of any days when snow squalls are forecast.
- If you can delay travel or choose an alternate, low speed route, consider these options first.
- Make sure your phone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and download weather apps to have additional options to receive warnings. If you have a portable weather radio, bring it with you too.
- If a warning is issued for your travel path, the best option is to take the nearest exit immediately to wait it out. Squalls typically last 20-30 minutes.
- If you cannot exit, slow down to a much lower driving speed as you approach any snow. Turn on your four-way flashers and be vigilant as you navigate the squall.
- In the event you encounter the squall, avoid slamming on your brakes. Remain alert for other motorists and accidents
- If you are involved in an accident, act quickly and decisively! Do what you can to get to safety based on your situation. Do not stand by your vehicle if you decide to get out of it. If on foot, get as far away from the accident in a direction away from any moving vehicles to avoid being struck. (For example, if on foot, move to the right side of the road and toward the front of the accident scene versus the left side toward the median where cars are traveling two ways.) Remember, if you couldn’t see and couldn’t stop, it’s likely oncoming drivers will not be able to do either as well. There’s no perfect solution here, but getting away from potential impact zones is critical.
To learn more about staying safe in a snow squall visit here.
