The National Weather Service issued an updated snow squall warning for Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties at 6:03 p.m. on Friday. The warning was in force until 7 p.m.
“At 6:03 p.m., a hazardous snow squall was located near Penn Hills to Homer City, moving southeast at 30 mph,” according to the weather service. “This includes Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 39 and 51.”
Penn Hills, Latrobe, Vandergrift, Homer City, Apollo, Plum, Murrysville, Hampton Township, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Harrison Township, Oakmont, Fox Chapel, Arnold, Tarentum, Natrona Heights, McChesneytown-Loyalhanna, Blairsville, Springdale, and Brackenridge are among the places affected by the warning.
“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” the weather agency has stated. Roads that are wet will immediately freeze. Reduce your speed and be ready for an unexpected loss of traction. Go more slowly! This severe snow squall is likely to cause rapid changes in driving conditions and visibility. Watch out for unexpected whiteout situations.
Roads may flash freeze, and visibility may swiftly deteriorate as a result of strong snowfall and wind gusts. gusts of wind exceeding 35 mph.
Snow squalls: Risks, differences, and safety seasures
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
The length of the event distinguishes a snowstorm from a snow squall. Typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, snow squalls are incredibly powerful. Days or even hours may pass during a snowfall.
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: It is best to wait until the snow squall has gone through your area before driving if a snow squall warning has been issued for your area. During snow squalls, roadways and highways are especially dangerous.
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 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.
Get your car ready:Make sure your car is winter-ready before you hit the road this winter by checking the tires, brakes, lights, and making sure all the fluids are at the right levels. A well-maintained car can handle the rigors of winter roads more easily.
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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