Update: Weather alert for snow squall in North Central Pa. until 2 a.m. Thursday

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 1:28 a.m. on Thursday for a snow squall until 2 a.m. for Northern Centre and Southern Centre as well as Clearfield, Cambria and Blair counties.

“At 1:25 a.m., a snow squall was along a line extending from Philpsburg to Ebensburg and moving east at 35 MPH,” according to the weather service.

The weather service states, “Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents a rapid drop in temperature may cause black ice to form on roadways. Black ice is nearly impossible to see and roadways may appear only wet. Please use extreme caution, especially on bridges, overpasses and around curves. Allow plenty of stopping distance and avoid braking suddenly. This squall mey intensify as it moves across the area.”

The snow squall guide: Preparation and caution on winter roads

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.

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

Maintain safe distance: Ensure there is ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. This precaution is essential to account for reduced visibility and the potential unpredictability of road conditions during a squall.

Avoid abrupt braking: It’s also best not to slam on your brakes. With slick/icy roads, this could contribute to the loss of vehicle control and also increase the risk of a chain reaction crash.

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

Prepare your vehicle: Prior to traveling, take steps to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming all fluids are at appropriate levels. A properly cared-for vehicle is more prepared to tackle the obstacles of winter driving.

Emergency kit essentials: Always have a well-prepared emergency kit in your vehicle containing crucial supplies like blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Additionally, include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand for improved tire traction. These items can be invaluable should you encounter an unexpected breakdown or emergency while on the road.

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

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.