Dangerous snow squalls are occurring across portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut today, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Snow Squall Warnings. These squalls are creating extremely dangerous driving conditions for the areas they strike. Snow squalls could produce sudden, brief, low or no visibility heavy snow bursts, the flash freezing of untreated roadways, and strong wind gusts of 40-50+ mph.
The National Weather Service expects snow squalls in this area for the balance of the day as a reinforcing shot of cold air and lingering atmospheric energy wrings out moisture in the atmosphere, often in dramatic fashion with isolated pockets of very heavy snow and gusty winds.
Blowing snow, reduced visibilities, and the potential for a flash freeze are all possible along a line of heavy snow showers along the cold front.
While overall snow accumulations will generally be around an inch or less, snow squalls cause dangerous travel conditions.
“During a snow squall, the last place you want to be is on the road,” the National Weather Service warns. “The rapid onset of heavy snowfall and strong winds will cause a sudden drop in visibilities, making travel impossible. The heavy snowfall along with an abrupt drop in temperatures could lead to a flash freeze, turning roadways into ice,” they add. “Delay travel if a snow squall warning is issued. If you are caught on the road when a snow squall occurs, use extreme caution, slow down, turn on your hazards, pull over safely to the side of the road, and when safe, quickly exit your vehicle and move as far from the road as possible.”
