A snow squall is a sudden, intense burst of heavy snowfall accompanied by strong, gusty winds, leading to rapid reductions in visibility and often resulting in hazardous travel conditions.
Unlike prolonged snowstorms, snow squalls are brief, typically lasting less than an hour, but can cause significant disruptions due to their sudden onset and severity.
Types of Snow Squalls:
- Lake-Effect Snow Squalls: These occur when cold arctic air moves over unfrozen lakes or seas, picking up moisture and leading to heavy, localized snowfall bands. Areas downwind of large bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes, are particularly susceptible.
- Frontal Snow Squalls: Associated with fast-moving cold fronts, these squalls involve intense convective lines that can produce sudden whiteout conditions. They often form just ahead of or behind a cold front and can lead to rapid changes in road conditions.
Dangers of Snow Squalls:
- Sudden Visibility Reduction: Visibility can drop to near zero within moments, making driving extremely hazardous.
- Rapid Road Surface Changes: Temperatures can cause wet roads to quickly freeze, leading to slick and unpredictable driving conditions.
- Accidents: The abrupt changes can lead to multiple-vehicle collisions and pile-ups. For example, a snow squall on January 9, 2015, caused a 193-vehicle pile-up on I-94 near Galesburg, Michigan.
Safety Precautions:
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and be aware of any snow squall warnings issued by local authorities.
- Avoid Travel During Warnings: If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, it’s advisable to delay travel until conditions improve.
- On the Road: If caught in a snow squall while driving, reduce speed, turn on headlights, and increase following distance. Avoid sudden braking and be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions.
Understanding the nature of snow squalls and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure safety during these sudden and potentially dangerous weather events.
For a visual explanation, you might find this video helpful: