The National Weather Service issued a snow squall warning for Berks, Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties on Thursday at 8:39 a.m., with a 9:15 a.m. expiration date.
“At 8:37 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near Belvidere to Bloomsbury to East Greenville to Wernersville, moving east at 55 mph,” according to the meteorological service. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”
Allentown, Reading, Easton, Morristown, Somerville, Somerset, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Pottstown, Dover, Madison, Hopatcong, Forks, Middlesex, Florham Park, Emmaus, East Hanover, Lincoln Park, Wyomissing, and Bound Brook are among the nearby locations affected by the warning. The following highways are included in this: Between mile markers 33 and 56, the Northeast Extension. Pennsylvania’s Interstate 78 between mile markers 54 and 76. New Jersey’s Interstate 78 between mile markers 0 and 41. New Jersey’s Interstate 80 between Mile Markers 10 and 48. New Jersey’s Interstate 287 between mile markers 8 and 52. Pennsylvania’s Interstate 176 between mile markers 6 and 11.
According to the weather service, “Slow down! This severe snow squall is likely to cause rapid changes in driving conditions and visibility. Keep an eye out for unexpected whiteout situations. Slow down and switch on your headlights! Whiteout situations during snow squalls can cause visibility to abruptly plummet to almost nothing.
Snow squalls: Risks, differences, and safety seasures
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.
What is the difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm?
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
Similar to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings, snow squall alerts are short-fused and targeted at specific locations. These alerts offer vital, extremely targeted information that can save lives. If your neighborhood is under a snow squall warning, stay indoors or postpone driving until the squall has passed.
Actions during a snow squall warning
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.
Prepare your car: Take proactive steps to get your car ready for winter driving conditions before you leave. This entails making sure your car’s fluids are topped off and inspecting your tires, brakes, and lights. The difficulties of winter driving are better handled by a well-maintained car.
Essentials for an emergency kit: Always keep a fully stocked emergency bag in your car with essentials like water, non-perishable food, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. For better tire traction, add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, ice scraper, a map, a car cell phone charger, and cat litter or sand. Should you experience an emergency or unplanned breakdown while traveling, these supplies can be quite helpful.
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.
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