The National Weather Service declared a snow squall warning for Potter and Tioga counties on Tuesday at 6:34 a.m., which was in force until 7:15 a.m.
“At 6:32 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from Millerton to Roulette, moving southeast at 25 mph,” according to the meteorological service. “Motorists traveling along US-15 or US-6 in Tioga County or US-6 in Potter County should be alert for rapidly-changing road conditions.”
Mansfield, Wellsboro, Coudersport, Blossburg, Roulette, Galeton, Westfield, Gaines, Covington, Arnot, Millerton, and Keeneyville are among the places affected by the warning.
“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” the weather agency tells us. “Slow down and switch on your headlights! Whiteout situations during snow squalls can cause visibility to abruptly plummet to almost nothing. When a snowstorm hits a highway, there is nowhere safe to go. In whiteout situations, visibility and traction are instantly compromised, making it difficult or impossible to reduce speed and avoid stopped cars. Before the snow squall hits, postpone your trip or get off the roadway safely.
Strong bursts of heavy snow are one of the hazards. Visibility quickly drops to less than a quarter mile due to gusty winds that cause snow to fly. gusts of wind exceeding 35 mph.
Navigating snow squalls: Understanding, preparing, and staying safe
What are snow squalls?
Strong cold fronts are frequently associated with snow squalls, which are short but intense winter weather phenomena. Even in the absence of a significant winter storm, they can quickly result in icy roads and unexpected whiteout conditions. Even while they often last less than an hour and may only cause slight snow accumulation, their reduced visibility, strong winds, and quickly dropping temperatures make them extremely dangerous for driving. In the past, these circumstances have resulted in fatal traffic accidents.
Understanding snow squalls vs. Snowstorms
A snowstorm and a snow squall differ primarily in their strength and length. Usually lasting 30 to 60 minutes, snow squalls are short yet fierce. A snowstorm, on the other hand, can last for several hours or even days.
Snow squall warnings
Like warnings for tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, snow squalls are quickly issued for specific locations. They provide vital, locally relevant information that can save lives. If there is a snow squall warning in your location, it is recommended to wait until the squall passes before driving.
Actions to take
When a snow squall warning is issued, people should heed the weather service’s instructions, which include the following crucial steps:
Avoid or postpone travel: If your area is under a snow squall warning, stay indoors or wait for the squall to pass through before driving. During a snowstorm, there is absolutely nowhere safe to drive on the roadway.
Decrease speed and improve visibility: If you are already traveling and won’t be able to get off the road in time, slow down and activate your headlights and hazard lights.
Keep a safe distance: Make sure there is enough space between your car and the one in front of you. In order to account for decreased vision and the possibility of unpredictable road conditions during a squall, this precaution is crucial.
Steer clear of quick braking: Sudden braking can cause a vehicle to lose control in icy and slippery conditions. To reduce the chance of sliding or producing a chain reaction crash, it is safer to reduce your speed gradually.
Winter weather safety advice: Check out the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page for advice on how to keep safe before, during, and after winter weather.
Make sure your car is ready for winter driving by checking the tires, brakes, lights, and making sure all the fluids are at the right levels before you go. A well-maintained car is better equipped to handle the challenges of winter driving.
Essentials of an emergency kit: Make sure your car has a complete emergency kit that includes supplies like water, non-perishable food, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. To improve tire traction, don’t forget to have jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, ice scraper, a map, a car cell phone charger, and cat litter or sand. In the event of an emergency or unplanned breakdown while traveling, these provisions may prove to be quite beneficial.
In conclusion, putting one’s own safety first and following the weather service’s advice can greatly reduce dangers when a snow squall warning is in effect. People can travel through these winter dangers with more assurance and security if they are aware of them, plan beforehand, and remain alert.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.