Prepare for snow squalls in Wyoming and Luzerne counties midday Friday

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service at 11:43 a.m. Friday for a snow squall until 12:45 p.m. for Wyoming and Luzerne counties.

“At 11:43 a.m., a snow squall was located near Sweet Valley, 16 miles north of Berwick, moving east at 25 MPH,” the weather service said.

Locations affected by the alert include Wilkes-Barre, Falls, Muhlenberg, Kingston, Nanticoke, Plymouth, Vernon, Swoyersville, Edwardsville and Larksville. This includes the following highway exits: Pennsylvania Interstate 81 between 159 and 165.

The weather service comments: “Exercise extra caution if traveling in or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slippery roads can lead to accidents.”

Snow squalls: risks, differences and safety measures

What are snow squalls?

Snow squalls are intense winter weather phenomena often associated with strong cold fronts. They can quickly cover roads with snow and ice, even without a major winter storm forecast. Typically lasting less than an hour and resulting in light accumulation of snow, these squalls can nevertheless be dangerous due to reduced visibility, gusty winds and rapidly dropping temperatures. Unfortunately, these conditions have historically contributed to serious, sometimes fatal, traffic accidents.

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

The difference between a snow squall and a blizzard is the duration of the event. Snow squalls are generally very short-lived (around 30 to 60 minutes) and extremely intense. A snowstorm can last several hours or even days.

Snow squall warnings

Snow squall warnings are quickly issued for specific areas, much like tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They provide crucial, localized information aimed at saving lives. If a warning for a snow squall is issued in your area, it is best to postpone or avoid driving until the squall spreads.

Actions to take

In response to a snow squall warning, individuals should follow guidance provided by the weather service, which includes the following key actions:

Avoiding or delaying a trip: If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motoring until the squall passes through your location. There really is no safe place on the highway during a snow squall.

Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you already find yourself on the road during a snow squall, prioritize safety by reducing your speed. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights to improve your visibility and that of other drivers.

Maintain a safe distance: Leave a large distance between you and the car in front of you.

Avoid sudden braking: In slippery and icy conditions, sudden braking may result in loss of vehicle control. It is safest to slow down gradually to minimize the risk of skidding or causing a chain reaction.

Winter Safety Tips: For complete guidelines on how to stay safe before, during and after encountering winter weather, visit the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page. This resource offers valuable information and precautions to help you effectively meet the challenges posed by winter conditions.

Prepare your vehicle: Before you leave on your trip, take proactive steps to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions. This includes checking your tires, brakes, and lights, as well as making sure your vehicle’s fluids are topped off. A well-maintained vehicle is better equipped to meet the challenges of winter driving.

Emergency kit essentials: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a complete emergency kit, including essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to add jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, map and kitty litter or sand to improve tire traction. These arrangements can prove invaluable in the event of an unexpected breakdown or emergency during your trip.

In conclusion, when faced with a snow squall warning, prioritizing personal safety and adhering to weather service recommendations can significantly mitigate risks. By understanding, preparing and remaining vigilant, individuals can face these winter hazards with greater confidence and safety.

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.