An updated snow squall warning was released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 12:54 p.m. in effect until 1:30 p.m. for Crawford and Erie counties.

“At 12:54 p.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near Conneaut to 9 miles northwest of Pymatuning north to near North Bloomfield, moving northeast at 40 mph,” adds the weather service. “This will affect portions of I-90 and I-79.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Erie, Conneaut, Edinboro, Girard, Albion, Andover, Linesville, Pymatuning Central, Harmonsburg, Northwest Harborcreek, Pymatuning North, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Wesleyville, Lake City, Pierpont, Cherry Valley, Conneautville, Conneaut Lake and Cranesville.

“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” describes 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.”

Hazards include intense bursts of heavy snow. Gusty winds leading to blowing snow and visibility rapidly falling to less than one-quarter mile. Wind gusts up to 35 mph.

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

Snow squalls are brief but intense winter weather events often linked to strong cold fronts. They can cause sudden white-out conditions and icy roads within minutes, even if there’s no major winter storm happening. While they usually last less than an hour and might only result in minor snow accumulation, they pose significant risks to drivers due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly falling temperatures. These conditions have historically led to deadly traffic accidents.

Understanding snow squalls vs. snowstorms

The difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm is the duration of the event. Snow squalls are usually very short-lived (on the order of 30-60 minutes) and extremely intense. A snowstorm could last for 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 during a snow squall warning

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 vicinity, it’s advisable to postpone or refrain from motor travel until the squall has passed through your area. Highways and roads are particularly hazardous during snow squalls.

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: It’s also best not to slam on your brakes. With slick/icy roads, this could contribute to the loss of vehicle control and also increase the risk of 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: Prior to hitting the road this winter, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming all fluids are at appropriate levels. A properly maintained vehicle is more capable of navigating the demands of winter roads.

Emergency kit essentials: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive emergency kit, featuring essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Don’t forget to add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand to enhance tire traction. These provisions can prove invaluable in the event of an unforeseen breakdown or emergency during your journey.

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.