At 4:33 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated forecast for Clearfield County that called for a snow squall through 5:30 p.m.

According to the meteorological service, “a snow squall was over DuBois at 4:31 p.m. moving southeast at 25 MPH.”

The following locations are affected by the alert: Falls Creek, Grampian, Troutville, Treasure Lake, Clearfield-Lawrence Airport, DuBois, Clearfield, Sandy, Woodland, Curwensville, Penfield, Hyde, Plymptonville, Rockton, Jeffries, Parker Dam State Park, S.B. Elliot State Park, and Penn State Dubois. For those traveling on Interstate 80, this encompasses the miles 97 to 124 between the Dubois and Kylertown exits.

“In winter weather conditions, conditions can rapidly deteriorate,” the weather service says. Be ready for roads covered with ice or snow. Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to get there. If you have to drive into or through this squall, go with great caution. Accidents may result from abrupt changes in visibility and perhaps slick roads.

Snow squalls: Safety protocols and prevention tips

What are snow squalls?

Strong cold fronts are frequently linked to snow squalls, which are severe winter weather conditions. Even in the absence of a significant winter storm, they can swiftly cover roads with snow and ice. Even while these squalls usually last less than an hour and only produce light snow accumulation, their restricted visibility, strong winds, and quickly falling temperatures can make them dangerous. Unfortunately, in the past, these circumstances have played a role in catastrophic and occasionally fatal road 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.

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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 sudden braking: It’s also best to avoid applying the brakes too hard. This could lead to a loss of vehicle control and raise the possibility of a chain reaction collision on slick or icy roads.

Winter weather safety advice: Go to the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page for detailed instructions on how to keep safe before, during, and after experiencing winter weather. This website provides helpful advice and safety measures to assist you successfully deal with the difficulties presented by winter weather.

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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.

United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.

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