[Trending News] Snow squall warning issued for Cambria and Somerset counties Saturday midday

A snow squall warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 11:38 a.m. in effect until 12:30 p.m. for Cambria and Somerset counties.

“At 11:38 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from Belsano to Perryopolis, moving southeast at 30 mph,” says the weather service. “This includes The Pennsylvania Turnpike from mile markers 100 to 115.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Acosta, Salix-Beauty Line Park, Mundys Corner, Belmont, Johnstown, Elim, Central City, Seven Springs, Friedens, Scalp Level, Flight 93 National Memorial and New Centerville.

“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” describes the weather service. “Wet roadways will quickly freeze. Black ice will cause roads, bridges, and overpasses to become slick and dangerous. Slow down and be prepared for a sudden loss of traction.”

Hazards include flash freeze on roads. Intense bursts of heavy snow. Gusty winds leading to blowing snow and visibility rapidly falling to less than one-quarter mile. Wind gusts greater than 35 mph.

Navigating snow squalls: Understanding, preparing, and staying safe

What are snow squalls?

Snow squalls are brief but intense winter weather events often linked to strong cold fronts. They can cause sudden white-out conditions and icy roads within minutes, even if there’s no major winter storm happening. While they usually last less than an hour and might only result in minor snow accumulation, they pose significant risks to drivers due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly falling temperatures. These conditions have historically led to deadly traffic accidents.

Understanding snow squalls vs. Snowstorms

The main distinction between a snow squall and a snowstorm lies in their duration and intensity. Snow squalls are typically brief but intense, lasting around 30-60 minutes. In contrast, a snowstorm can stretch over several hours or even days

Snow squall warnings

Snow squall warnings are short-fused and focused on distinct areas (like tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These warnings provide critical, highly localized life-saving information. If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location.

Actions during a snow squall warning

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

Avoid or delay travel: If a snow squall warning is issued for your vicinity, it’s advisable to postpone or refrain from motor travel until the squall has passed through your area. Highways and roads are particularly hazardous during snow squalls.

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

Maintain safe distance: Allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.

Avoid abrupt braking: It’s also best not to slam on your brakes. With slick/icy roads, this could contribute to the loss of vehicle control and also increase the risk of a chain reaction crash.

Winter weather safety tips: For comprehensive guidelines on how to stay safe before, during, and after encountering winter weather conditions, visit the weather service Winter Weather Safety page. This resource offers valuable insights and precautions to help you navigate the challenges posed by winter weather effectively.

Prepare your vehicle: Prior to hitting the road this winter, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming all fluids are at appropriate levels. A properly maintained vehicle is more capable of navigating the demands of winter roads.

Emergency kit essentials: Always have a well-prepared emergency kit in your vehicle containing crucial supplies like blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Additionally, include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand for improved tire traction. These items can be invaluable should you encounter an unexpected breakdown or emergency while on the road.

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

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.