The National Weather Service issued an updated snow squall warning for Center, Clearfield, and Clinton counties on Thursday at 5:12 a.m., with a duration of 5:30 a.m.
“At 5:11 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from Renovo to Keating to near Westport to Pine Glen to near Lecontes Mills to Jeffries, moving east at 30 mph,” according to the meteorological service. “For those driving on Interstate 80, this includes areas between the Woodland and Milesburg exits, specifically from mile markers 125 to 150.”
Keating, Philipsburg, Woodland, Renovo, Chester Hill, Karthaus, Snow Shoe, North Philipsburg, Clarence, South Renovo, South Philipsburg, and Moshannon are among the places affected by the warning.
“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” the weather agency said. “Think about avoiding or postponing travel until the snowstorm has passed where you are. If you have to travel, be especially careful and give yourself more time. Accidents may result from sloppy roads and abrupt changes in visibility. Getting out of a car during a snowstorm can cause fatalities or serious injuries. You might not be able to stop or be seen by drivers! Only when it is safe to do so should you promptly exit your car and move as far away from the road as you can after being in an accident or being pulled to the side of the road. Avoid standing next to or beside the road because oncoming cars might not be able to keep control.
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.
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
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 by giving the automobile in front of you plenty of space.
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 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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