Snow squalls are forecast to sweep through multiple states in the Northeast this week, causing dangerous conditions for drivers. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), these intense weather events could persist through Wednesday, bringing hazardous travel and health risks to vulnerable populations.
Why This Matters
Snow squalls are short but intense periods of heavy snowfall accompanied by strong winds. They can create snow-covered roads, near-zero visibility, and slippery conditions in a matter of minutes. The NWS warns that these conditions often lead to flash freezing on roadways, making driving extremely dangerous.
Additionally, winter weather poses serious risks to groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
States Most Likely to Be Affected
The NWS has issued an update highlighting areas expected to experience the most severe snow squalls. States in the direct path include:
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Northeastern Ohio
The probability of snow squalls in these regions is estimated to be greater than 60%, according to the NWS.
Neighboring states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Maine are also at risk, though with slightly lower chances.
What to Expect
An Arctic cold front is moving through the region, bringing the potential for snow squalls into midday Tuesday for Upstate New York, interior New England, and parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic.
The NWS has predicted that:
- A second Arctic front will trigger widespread snow squalls from Tuesday evening through Wednesday, impacting areas near the Great Lakes, New England, and the northern Mid-Atlantic.
- Snow squalls could lead to sudden whiteout conditions and icy roads, particularly during peak travel times.
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, “The most intense squalls are likely in places like Detroit, Cleveland, and Syracuse on Wednesday morning. Later in the day, this risk shifts southeast towards the Eastern Seaboard, affecting cities like New York City and Boston during the afternoon commute.”
NWS Alerts and Social Media Updates
NWS Detroit posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“A clipper will bring 1-3 inches of snow to the Tri Cities and northern Thumb today. Gusty winds to 30 mph may increase to 40 mph behind a cold front tonight. Lake effect snow showers will develop tonight and taper off Wednesday morning.”
For those unfamiliar, a snow squall is a sudden burst of heavy snow combined with strong winds. This combination often creates whiteout conditions, drastically reducing visibility and increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
What You Should Do If You Encounter a Snow Squall
If you are caught driving during a snow squall, the NWS strongly recommends pulling over to a safe location and waiting for conditions to improve. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding on icy roads.
- Use low beams, as high beams can reflect off snow and reduce visibility further.
- Stay in your vehicle with hazard lights on until visibility improves.
Looking Ahead
The Arctic cold front and subsequent snow squalls are expected to taper off by Wednesday evening. However, the risk of hazardous travel conditions remains high during the next 48 hours.
As the NWS continues to monitor the situation, travelers in affected areas are advised to check for updates and plan their routes accordingly.
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