NY weather: Be prepared for snow squalls in New York until Monday morning

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 5:44 a.m. for snow squalls until 10 a.m. for St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties.

The weather service comments, “Be prepared for sharply reduced visibilities. Heaviest showers could produce temporary whiteout conditions and the potential for dangerous driving conditions. Icy roads are also possible. If you are traveling and encounter adverse winter driving conditions, reduce speed and make sure headlights are on.”

Snow squalls: Safety protocols and prevention tips

What are snow squalls?

Snow squalls are intense winter weather events often associated with strong cold fronts. They can quickly blanket roads with snow and ice, even without a major winter storm in the forecast. Typically lasting less than an hour and resulting in minor snow accumulation, these squalls can still be dangerous due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly dropping temperatures. Unfortunately, these conditions have historically contributed to serious and sometimes fatal traffic accidents.

Understanding snow squalls vs. Snowstorms

The main distinction between a snow squall and a snowstorm lies in their duration and intensity. Snow squalls are typically brief but intense, lasting around 30-60 minutes. In contrast, a snowstorm can stretch over several hours or even days

Snow squall warnings

Snow squall warnings are rapidly issued for specific areas, much like tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They offer crucial, localized information aimed at saving lives. If an alert for a snow squall is issued in your area, it’s best to postpone or avoid driving until the squall moves on.

Actions to take

In response to a snow squall warning, individuals should follow the guidelines provided by the weather service, which encompass the following key actions:

Avoid or delay travel: If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location. There truly is no safe place on the highway during a snow squall…

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