Snow Squall warning issued in US, understanding phenomenon & safety measures

On Tuesday night, a Snow Squall Warning was issued for the I-25 corridor extending from Monument to nearly the Pueblo County line, encompassing much of El Paso County east of Colorado Springs in the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pueblo issued the warning at 8:15 p.m., effective until 9:15 p.m., in response to rapidly developing hazardous weather conditions. ​KRDO

What is a snow squall?

A snow squall is an intense, short-lived burst of heavy snowfall accompanied by strong, gusty winds. This phenomenon leads to a sudden and significant reduction in visibility, often resulting in whiteout conditions that can make travel extremely dangerous. Snow squalls, unlike prolonged snowstorms, typically last less than an hour, but their sudden onset and severity can surprise motorists.

Snow squalls are often associated with strong cold fronts. As these fronts move rapidly, they can cause quick temperature drops and destabilize the atmosphere, leading to the development of snow squalls. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds can reduce visibility to near zero, creating hazardous travel conditions. ​

Impacts on travel and safety concerns

The sudden nature of snow squalls poses significant risks, especially to motorists. Within minutes, drivers can encounter whiteout conditions, making it difficult to see the road and other vehicles. Road surfaces can become slick due to rapid snow accumulation, increasing the likelihood of accidents, including multi-vehicle pileups. The NWS emphasizes that even minor snow accumulations during squalls can lead to treacherous travel conditions. ​

At 8:12 p.m. MDT on March 18, a dangerous snow squall was located near the Air Force Academy, approximately 10 miles north of Colorado Springs, moving south at 35 mph. The warning specifically highlighted the potential for whiteout conditions due to heavy blowing snow, making travel hazardous along the I-25 corridor and surrounding areas. ​

Safety recommendations

Given the dangers associated with snow squalls, the following safety measures are advised:

• Avoid unnecessary travel: If a snow squall warning is issued, it's best to delay travel until conditions improve.​

• Reduce speed and increase following distance: If caught in a squall, slow down and maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and others to allow for longer stopping distances.​

• Use headlights: Turn on headlights to increase visibility, but avoid using high beams, which can reflect off the snow and reduce visibility further.​

• Do not slam on brakes: Sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control. Instead, decelerate gradually.​

• Stay informed: Monitor weather updates from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service, to stay aware of current conditions.​

The NWS and local authorities often disseminate critical information through various channels, including social media, to keep the public informed about imminent hazards like snow squalls.

Snow squalls, though brief, present significant dangers due to their sudden onset and the severe reduction in visibility they cause. The Snow Squall Warning issued on March 18 for the I-25 corridor and surrounding areas underscores the importance of understanding this weather phenomenon and taking appropriate safety measures. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, stay informed, and adhere to safety recommendations to mitigate risks associated with snow squalls

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