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Winter Safety: Driving in Snow Squalls
December 22, 2021 at 12:10 PM EST
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Alyssa Robinette
You may have heard or seen the National Weather Service (NWS) issue a Snow Squall Warning recently. Are you unsure what a snow squall may be, let alone how to stay safe from one? Read on to find out what it is and how to keep yourself safe while driving through one.
A snow squall is an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities and is often accompanied by gusty winds. They may be characterized by one main squall or multiple squalls. Although they typically occur during the daytime hours, they can occur at any time of day.
The combination of quick reductions in visibilities and slick conditions on roadways can often lead to high-speed wrecks, pileups and subsequent injuries and fatalities. Here are some tips to keep you safe if you are driving and catch yourself in a snow squall.
Driving Safety Tips:
Source: NWS, Farmers Almanac
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Image: Spring plowing; Davey Wyatt (Yellowstone National Park)
A snow squall is an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities and is often accompanied by gusty winds. They may be characterized by one main squall or multiple squalls. Although they typically occur during the daytime hours, they can occur at any time of day.
The combination of quick reductions in visibilities and slick conditions on roadways can often lead to high-speed wrecks, pileups and subsequent injuries and fatalities. Here are some tips to keep you safe if you are driving and catch yourself in a snow squall.
Driving Safety Tips:
- Remain alert to the latest forecast and travel conditions. Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location.
- Leave extra time if you must travel during snow squalls as visibility and road conditions will change rapidly.
- Observe your surroundings. Sometimes you can see a snow squall coming. If you see one advancing toward you while you’re driving, try to pull off the road somewhere safe. Snow squalls arrive quickly, but they also tend to leave just as fast.
- Reduce your speed and turn on headlights! In a matter of seconds, unrestricted visibility can change to near zero.
- Don’t slam on the brakes! With roads being slick, this could contribute to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a chain reaction crash.
- Wait it out. Since they are fast-moving, it’s best to pull safely over to the side of the road, if possible, and wait it out.
- Social media
- NOAA Weather Radio
- NWS Smartphone Widget
- NWS Desktop or Mobile Website
- Other phone weather apps
Source: NWS, Farmers Almanac
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Image: Spring plowing; Davey Wyatt (Yellowstone National Park)