Introduction
Snow squalls are intense, short-lived bursts of heavy snowfall, accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, and rapid cooling of temperatures. They can create hazardous driving conditions and pose a threat to public safety.
Characteristics
- Intense snowfall
- Low visibility
- Strong winds
- Rapid temperature drop
Examples
An example of a snow squall is a sudden snowstorm that arrives without warning, causing a whiteout on the roads and making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead.
Case Studies
In January 2020, a snow squall in Pennsylvania caused a massive pileup on the highway, involving dozens of vehicles and resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. The sudden whiteout conditions were a contributing factor to the accident.
Statistics
According to the National Weather Service, snow squalls are responsible for a significant number of weather-related accidents each year, particularly during the winter months. They are more common in areas prone to lake-effect snow, such as the Great Lakes region.
