NY weather: Prepare for snow squalls and showers in New York Tuesday morning

At 5:03 a.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a weather notice for Herkimer, Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties, warning of snow squalls and showers through 6 a.m.

“At 5:01 a.m., heavy snow showers and embedded snow squalls were along a line extending from near Schroon Lake to near Moffitt Beach Campground to Northwood and moving southeast at 35 MPH,” according to the National Weather Service.

The following roadways are included in this: Interstate 90 between exits 29A and 30. Between exits 17S and 26 on Interstate 87.

The following areas should see showers and snow squalls:

• 
  Speculator, Ohio, Lake Pleasant, Moffitt Beach Campground, Northwood, and North Creek around 5:05 a.m.
  
• 
  Cold Brook and Eagle Point Campground around 5:10 a.m.
  
• 
  Johnsburg and Poland around 5:15 a.m.
  
• 
  Wells, Newport, and Chestertown around 5:20 a.m.
  
• 
  Middleville and Sacandaga Campground around 5:25 a.m.
  
• 
  Warrensburg, Dolgeville, and Stratford around 5:30 a.m.
  
• 
  Little Falls and Bolton Landing around 5:35 a.m.
  
• 
  Northville, Caroga Lake, Caroga Lake Public Campground, and Day Center around 5:40 a.m.
  

In cold weather conditions, things might quickly get worse. Be ready for roads covered with ice or snow. Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to get there.

The weather service states that “in winter weather conditions, conditions can deteriorate rapidly.” Be ready for roads covered with ice or snow. Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to get there. If you have to drive into or through this squall, go with great caution. Accidents may result from abrupt changes in visibility and perhaps slick roads.

The snow squall guide: Preparation and caution on winter roads

What are snow squalls?

Strong cold fronts are frequently associated with snow squalls, which are short but intense winter weather phenomena. Even in the absence of a significant winter storm, they can quickly result in icy roads and unexpected whiteout conditions. Even while they often last less than an hour and may only cause slight snow accumulation, their reduced visibility, strong winds, and quickly dropping temperatures make them extremely dangerous for driving. In the past, these circumstances have resulted in fatal traffic accidents.

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

The length of the event distinguishes a snowstorm from a snow squall. Typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, snow squalls are incredibly powerful. Days or even hours may pass during a snowfall.

Snow squall warnings

Like warnings for tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, snow squalls are quickly issued for specific locations. They provide vital, locally relevant information that can save lives. If there is a snow squall warning in your location, it is recommended to wait until the squall passes before driving.

Actions to take

When a snow squall warning is issued, people should heed the weather service’s instructions, which include the following crucial steps:

Avoid or postpone travel: It is best to wait until the snow squall has gone through your area before driving if a snow squall warning has been issued for your area. During snow squalls, roadways and highways are especially dangerous.

Decrease speed and improve visibility: If you are already traveling and won’t be able to get off the road in time, slow down and activate your headlights and hazard lights.

Keep a safe distance: Make sure there is enough space between your car and the one in front of you. In order to account for decreased vision and the possibility of unpredictable road conditions during a squall, this precaution is crucial.

Steer clear of sudden braking: It’s also best to avoid applying the brakes too hard. This could lead to a loss of vehicle control and raise the possibility of a chain reaction collision on slick or icy roads.

Winter weather safety advice: Go to the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page for advice on how to be safe before, during, and after a winter storm.

Make sure your car is ready for winter driving by checking the tires, brakes, lights, and making sure all the fluids are at the right levels before you go. A well-maintained car is better equipped to handle the challenges of winter driving.

Essentials of an emergency kit: Make sure your car has a complete emergency kit that includes supplies like water, non-perishable food, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. To improve tire traction, don’t forget to have jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, ice scraper, a map, a car cell phone charger, and cat litter or sand. In the event of an emergency or unplanned breakdown while traveling, these provisions may prove to be quite beneficial.

In conclusion, putting one’s own safety first and following the weather service’s advice can greatly reduce dangers when a snow squall warning is in effect. People can travel through these winter dangers with more assurance and security if they are aware of them, plan beforehand, and remain alert.

United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.