A report was issued at 6:26 a.m. Friday from the National Weather Service of a snow squall until 7:15 a.m. for the North Central as well as Elk, Cameron and Clearfield counties.

“At 6:26 a.m., a snow squall was moving eastward at 30 MPH near DuBois,” the weather service said.

For those driving on Interstate 80, this includes areas between the Dubois and Snow Shoe exits, particularly between mileposts 97 through 141.

The weather service adds: “Conditions can deteriorate quickly in winter. Be prepared for snow-covered or icy roads. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination. Use extreme caution if you must travel in or through This squall Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slippery roads can lead to accidents.

Dealing with snow squalls: understanding, preparing and staying safe

What are snow squalls?

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

What is the difference between a snow squall and a blizzard?

The main distinction between a snow squall and a blizzard is their duration and intensity. Snow squalls are generally brief but intense, lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes. On the other hand, a snowstorm can last for several hours or even days.

Snow squall warnings

Snow squall warnings are short-lived and focused on distinct areas (like tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These warnings provide critical and highly localized life-saving information. If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motoring until the squall passes through your location.

Actions to take

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

Avoiding or delaying a trip: If a snow squall warning is issued in your area, it is advisable to postpone or refrain from motoring until the squall has passed through your area. Highways and roads are particularly dangerous during snow squalls.

Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you already find yourself on the road during a snow squall, prioritize safety by reducing your speed. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights to improve your visibility and that of other drivers.

Maintain a safe distance: Make sure there is sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This precaution is essential to account for reduced visibility and potential unpredictability of road conditions during a squall.

Avoid sudden braking: In slippery and icy conditions, sudden braking may result in loss of vehicle control. It is safest to slow down gradually to minimize the risk of skidding or causing a chain reaction.

Winter Safety Tips: For tips on how to stay safe before, during and after winter weather, visit the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page.

Prepare your vehicle: Before traveling, take steps to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by inspecting tires, brakes and lights, and confirming that all fluids are at appropriate levels. A well-maintained vehicle is better prepared to face the obstacles of winter driving.

Emergency kit essentials: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a complete emergency kit, including essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to add jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, map and kitty litter or sand to improve tire traction. These arrangements can prove invaluable in the event of an unexpected breakdown or emergency during your trip.

In conclusion, when faced with a snow squall warning, prioritizing personal safety and adhering to weather service recommendations can significantly mitigate risks. By understanding, preparing and remaining vigilant, individuals can face these winter hazards with greater confidence and safety.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.