The winter storm is approaching in the Northeast and also bringing snow squalls. However, it is important to know what a snow squall is and how it is dangerous during the storm. A snow squall is a brief but intense burst of snowfall that immediately drops the visibility on the roads and can suddenly make them slick.
They are dangerous for travelers as they bring unsuspected danger and worsen driving conditions. These squalls are one of the biggest reasons behind the thousands of accidents that occur in the snow.
While the accumulation of snow might be light, their rapid movement drops the visibility.
The National Weather Service has explained these squalls as "intense bursts of snow and wind."
"While short in duration, they can cause whiteouts and poor road conditions. NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings to alert you when traveling."
They also shared a video of a snow squall and how quickly it changes the conditions of a road.
The NWS is also issuing warnings of these squalls for danger on roads. These warnings are targeted at smaller areas as well as the public residing in them.
In their latest update, NWS wrote,
"A strong arctic cold front will sweep from the Great Lakes through the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast through Thursday. This will bring a high chance for dangerous snow squalls, locally damaging wind, and heavy snowfall. Be prepared for dangerous travel conditions."
Tips to stay safe amid snow squalls
Despite the winter storm, people often need to step out of their houses either to run some errands or commute to a different location. However, traveling in snow squalls can be deadly, and a few tips can help drivers to stay safe.
First of all, the drivers need to remain calm when the visibility immediately drops. They need to be prepared to face such extreme weather conditions and move slowly. Both drivers and passengers are required to remain seated in their cars, and it is not recommended to get off the road.
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Enabling wireless emergency alerts can also help drivers prepare for an approaching snow squall. While driving through one, drivers can turn on the headlights and hazard lights of their vehicles. They also must maintain plenty of distance from the vehicle ahead of them to stay safe.
Authorities have also advised people in affected areas to delay their travels. Staying continuously updated about the weather can help people plan their travels accordingly. If they can delay going through a storm or a squall, they must do so.
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