At 7:29 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service released an updated snow squall warning in effect until 8:30 a.m. for Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties.
“At 7:29 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from Ayer to Berlin to Hopedale to near Glocester to Sprague, moving east at 35 mph,” adds the weather service. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Boston, Worcester, Providence, Lowell, Cambridge, Brockton, Quincy, Lynn, Newton, Warwick, Cranston, Somerville, Pawtucket, Framingham, Waltham, Malden, Brookline, Medford, Taunton and Weymouth.
The weather service comments, “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 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.
Navigating snow squalls: Understanding, preparing, and staying safe
What 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.
What is the difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm?
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 rapidly issued for specific areas, much like tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They offer crucial, localized information aimed at saving lives. If an alert for a snow squall is issued in your area, it’s best to postpone or avoid driving until the squall moves on.
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: Allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.
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.
Essential items for your car’s emergency kit: 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.
