On Tuesday at 8:31 a.m., the National Weather Service released a report for Greene, Columbia, Ulster, and Dutchess counties, predicting a snow squall through 9:15 a.m.
“At 8:31 a.m., a snow squall was along a line extending from near Lee to near Livingston to near Willowemoc and moving southeast at 25 MPH,” according to the meteorological service.
Interstate 87 between exits 19 and 20 is included in this.
The following areas are likely to experience a snow squall:
-
Great Barrington, Saugerties, Woodstock, Copake, Clermont, Otis, Ancram, West Shokan, Lake Katrine, and West Hurley around 8:35 a.m.
-
Sheffield and Red Hook around 8:40 a.m.
-
Kingston, Hurley, Pine Plains, Sandisfield, Tolland, Olivebridge, and Ashley Falls around 8:45 a.m.
-
Rhinebeck, Canaan, and Port Ewen around 8:50 a.m.
-
Millerton around 8:55 a.m.
-
High Falls, Falls Village, Kerhonkson, Tillson, and Staatsburg around 9 a.m.
-
Norfolk around 9:05 a.m.
“If you have to travel into or through this squall, exercise extra caution,” the weather agency advises. Accidents may result from abrupt changes in visibility and perhaps slick roads.
Snow squalls: Risks, differences, and safety seasures
What are snow squalls?
Strong cold fronts are frequently linked to snow squalls, which are severe winter weather conditions. Even in the absence of a significant winter storm, they can swiftly cover roads with snow and ice. Even while these squalls usually last less than an hour and only produce light snow accumulation, their restricted visibility, strong winds, and quickly falling temperatures can make them dangerous. Unfortunately, in the past, these circumstances have played a role in catastrophic and occasionally fatal road accidents.
Understanding snow squalls vs. Snowstorms
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
Similar to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings, snow squall alerts are short-fused and targeted at specific locations. These alerts offer vital, extremely targeted information that can save lives. If your neighborhood is under a snow squall warning, stay indoors or postpone driving until the squall has passed.
Actions during a snow squall warning
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.
Reduce speed and improve visibility: If you’re already on the road during a snowstorm, put safety first by slowing down. To improve visibility for other vehicles and yourself, turn on your danger lights in addition to your headlights.
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 quick braking: Sudden braking can cause a vehicle to lose control in icy and slippery conditions. To reduce the chance of sliding or producing a chain reaction crash, it is safer to reduce your speed gradually.
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.
Prepare your car: Take proactive steps to get your car ready for winter driving conditions before you leave. This entails making sure your car’s fluids are topped off and inspecting your tires, brakes, and lights. The difficulties of winter driving are better handled by a well-maintained car.
Important supplies for your car’s emergency kit: Make sure your car has a complete emergency kit that includes necessities like blankets, water, non-perishable food, 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.
+ There are no comments
Add yours