The National Weather Service issued a snow squall warning for Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties on Tuesday at 5:58 a.m., which was in force until 6:45 a.m.
“At 5:58 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near Hague to 7 miles north of Day Center to Cranberry Creek to near Canajoharie to Exeter Center, moving east southeast at 40 mph,” according to the meteorological service. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”
The following places are affected by the warning: Johnstown, Colonie, Scotia, Hudson Falls, Mechanicville, Cobleskill, Warrensburg, Whitehall, Canajoharie, Salem, Fonda, Albany, Schenectady, Clifton Park, Rotterdam, Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam, Cohoes, Gloversville, Glens Falls. The following highways are included in this: Between exits 20 and 25 on Interstate 88. Between exits 25 and 29A on Interstate 90. Between exits 1a and 9 on Interstate 890. Exit 5 to exit 7 and exit 8A to exit 24 on Interstate 87.
According to the weather service, “Slow down and switch on your headlights! Whiteout situations during snow squalls can cause visibility to abruptly plummet to almost nothing.
Strong bursts of heavy snow are one of the hazards. Visibility quickly drops to less than a quarter mile due to gusty winds that cause snow to fly. gusts of wind of up to 40 mph.
The snow squall guide: Preparation and caution on winter roads
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.
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 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.
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 by giving the automobile in front of you plenty of space.
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: Check out the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page for advice on how to keep safe before, during, and after winter weather.
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.
Essentials for an emergency kit: Always keep a fully stocked emergency bag in your car with essentials like water, non-perishable food, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. For better tire traction, add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, ice scraper, a map, a car cell phone charger, and cat litter or sand. Should you experience an emergency or unplanned breakdown while traveling, these supplies can be quite helpful.
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.
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