A snow squall warning was released by the National Weather Service on Monday at 3:03 p.m. in effect until 4 p.m. for Crawford and Erie counties.

“At 3:02 p.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from 23 miles north of Fairport Harbor to 11 miles northwest of North Kingsville to near Erie, moving east at 60 mph,” explains the weather service. “Impacts to portions of I-90 and northern I-79 are expected.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Erie, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Edinboro, Geneva, North East, Madison, Girard, North Kingsville, Waterford, Albion, Wattsburg, Northwest Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Wesleyville, Lake City, Austinburg and Kingsville.

“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” adds the weather service. “Slow Down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this dangerous snow squall. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions. Reduce speed and turn on headlights! During snow squalls, the visibility may suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions.”

Hazards include whiteout conditions with near zero visibility associated with intense bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds leading to blowing snow. Wind gusts greater than 35 mph.

Snow squalls: Risks, differences, and safety seasuresWhat are snow squalls?

Snow squalls are intense winter weather events often associated with strong cold fronts. They can quickly blanket roads with snow and ice, even without a major winter storm in the forecast. Typically lasting less than an hour and resulting in minor snow accumulation, these squalls can still be dangerous due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly dropping temperatures. Unfortunately, these conditions have historically contributed to serious and sometimes fatal traffic accidents.

What is the difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm?

The main distinction between a snow squall and a snowstorm lies in their duration and intensity. Snow squalls are typically brief but intense, lasting around 30-60 minutes. In contrast, a snowstorm can stretch over several hours or even days

Snow squall warnings

Snow squall warnings are short-fused and focused on distinct areas (like tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These warnings provide critical, highly localized life-saving information. If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location.

Actions to take

In response to a snow squall warning, individuals should follow the guidelines provided by the weather service, which encompass the following key actions:

Avoid or delay travel: If a snow Squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location. There truly is no safe place on the highway during a snow squall.

Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you find yourself already on the road during a snow squall, prioritize safety by reducing your speed. Turn on both your headlights and hazard lights to enhance visibility for yourself and other drivers.

Maintain safe distance: Ensure there is ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. This precaution is essential to account for reduced visibility and the potential unpredictability of road conditions during a squall.

Avoid abrupt braking: In slippery and icy conditions, sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control. It’s safer to slow down gradually to minimize the risk of skidding or causing a chain reaction crash.

Winter weather safety tips: For comprehensive guidelines on how to stay safe before, during, and after encountering winter weather conditions, visit the weather service Winter Weather Safety page. This resource offers valuable insights and precautions to help you navigate the challenges posed by winter weather effectively.

Prepare your vehicle: Before setting out on your journey, take proactive measures to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions. This includes checking your tires, brakes, and lights, and ensuring your vehicle’s fluids are topped up. A well-maintained vehicle is better equipped to handle the challenges of winter driving.

Emergency kit essentials: Always have a well-prepared emergency kit in your vehicle containing crucial supplies like blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Additionally, include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand for improved tire traction. These items can be invaluable should you encounter an unexpected breakdown or emergency while on the road.

In conclusion, when faced with a snow squall warning, prioritizing personal safety and adhering to the weather service recommendations can significantly mitigate risks. By understanding, preparing, and staying vigilant, individuals can navigate these winter hazards with greater confidence and security.