National/International
News Desk | Weather Insights
A snow squall is a brief but powerful burst of snow accompanied by strong, gusty winds that can rapidly reduce visibility and produce hazardous travel conditions, officials say. Unlike long-lasting winter storms, these events typically develop and dissipate within a short time frame — often less than an hour — and can occur with little advance warning as cold air interacts with moisture in the atmosphere.
Meteorologists describe a snow squall as a sudden, intense precipitation event that can create near-whiteout conditions and slick road surfaces in minutes. These phenomena are most common in late fall through early spring, particularly where cold fronts or unstable air masses intersect with moisture sources such as the Great Lakes, which can trigger bands of lake-effect snow squalls.
Snow squalls differ from typical snowstorms in their abrupt onset, short duration, and localized impact. While a blizzard can last for hours or days over a broad area with sustained snowfall, a snow squall is usually confined to a narrow corridor and is over quickly, though not without danger.
The National Weather Service and Environment Canada issue snow squall warnings when conditions meet defined criteria, including rapidly dropping visibility and strong winds. These warnings are short-fused, similar to tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings, and emphasize that travel should be delayed or avoided until conditions improve.
The primary public risk from a snow squall stems from the rapid transition from normal conditions to near-zero visibility and icy roads, which can catch drivers off guard. Past events have been linked to multi-vehicle collisions and highway closures as motorists struggle to navigate the sudden whiteout conditions.
Experts urge individuals in forecasted snow squall areas to monitor weather alerts closely and prepare for possible abrupt changes in conditions. If a squall warning is issued, officials recommend delaying travel or, if already on the road, reducing speed, using headlights and hazard lights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles.
The phenomenon underscores the importance of real-time weather monitoring during the winter months, especially in regions prone to rapid temperature shifts and convective snow bands. The story is developing.
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Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
