The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday for a snow squall until 10 a.m. for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.
"At 9:29 a.m., a snow squall was along a line extending from Mahopac to near Peekskill to near West Point to near Harriman to near Warwick and moving southeast at 40 MPH," according to the weather service.
Locations impacted by the alert include Yonkers, Stamford, Norwalk, White Plains, New City, Port Chester, Paramus, Ossining, Ridgewood, Peekskill, New Canaan, Monsey, Nanuet, Ramsey and Ringwood.
The weather service adds, "Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations. Be prepared for snow or ice covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination."
![](https://www.silive.com/resizer/v2/MJJIGYIO5ZA3LEGDE7LW5NCHXI.png?auth=f5d1f3d332f41b70a4f0b6784de39bf7f53461dd0d1024b5db32363d20c699b1&width=500&quality=90)
Navigating snow squalls: Understanding, preparing, and staying safe
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 short-fused and focused on distinct areas (like tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These warnings provide critical, highly localized life-saving information. If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location.
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 vicinity, it's advisable to postpone or refrain from motor travel until the squall has passed through your area. Highways and roads are particularly hazardous during snow squalls.
Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you are already in transit and cannot exit the road in time, reduce your speed, turn on your headlights and hazard lights.
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 hitting the road this winter, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming all fluids are at appropriate levels. A properly maintained vehicle is more capable of navigating the demands of winter roads.
Essential items for your car's emergency kit: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive emergency kit, featuring essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget to add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand to enhance tire traction. These provisions can prove invaluable in the event of an unforeseen breakdown or emergency during your journey.
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.