Snow Squalls Threaten Northeast Travelers; Whiteout Conditions, Travel Disruptions Expected

Snow squalls are threatening travelers in the Northeast US as an Arctic cold front brings colder air into the region, according to US weather forecasts.

The winter weather hazard is expected to bring heavy snow and strong-blowing chill winds.

Disruption to road and air travel is likely as the forecasts indicated whiteout conditions or poor air visibility is imminent.

Snow squalls have been described by meteorologists as a phenomenon that can occur with little or without warning.

The threat comes from the excessive amount of snowfall during this event, which could lead to the decreased visibility as mentioned earlier.

In the US, previous snow squall incidents have led to massive pileup or multi-vehicular collision along roads and highways.

The US is still in its winter season, which spans from December to February each year.

During this period, winter storms along with other winter weather hazards like snowstorms, blizzards, and cold temperatures are commonplace.

The start of the season was marked by a powerful winter hurricane that led to travel chaos and resulted in dozens of deaths.

Arctic Cold Front

(Photo : Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 17: Snow blows around on Boylston Street as a snow squall blows through on December 17, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. More than a foot of snow is expected in the Greater Boston area as Winter Storm Gail delivers snow, rain, sleet and high winds up and down the East Coast.

The National Weather Service (NWS) stated a powerful cold front will wreak havoc through the Northeast by Friday morning, February 3, to deliver a blow of arctic air into the region until Saturday, February 4.

The NWS' sub-department Weather Prediction Center (WPC) says dangerous wind chills are expected and widespread wind chill warnings and advisories are already in place for New England and the Northeast.

In its short-range forecast on Friday, the US weather agency warns of bitter cold and dangerous cold winds that can stretch from the Northern Plains to the Northeast by early weekend.

Meanwhile, seasonal mild conditions will return to the Central US into the weekend after a chilly week.

Moreover, periods of heavy snow return to the Sierra and Cascades area into the weekend.

AccuWeather meteorologists add that snow squalls can quickly accumulate snow, causing whiteout conditions and travel disruptions from southern Ontario, Canada, into the interior parts of the Northeast as the Arctic cold air arrives.

Also Read: Another Wave of Snow Squall to Hit Northeastern US "Hard and Fast"

What is a Snow Squall?

A snow squall is a short yet intense snowfall that causes a sudden drop in visibility and could slicken roads.

This sudden change can result to dangerous travel conditions, including multi-vehicle accidents, according to The Weather Channel.

The NWS is responsible for issuing snow squall warnings that can alert one's smartphone.

Due to its quick movement, snow squall accumulations are light, and they can occur in situations where there is no significant or major winter storm in progress.

However, the channel clarified that it does not mean snow squalls are not hazardous.

In March 2022, a snow squall in a Pennsylvania highway led to the deaths of at least six people who were involved in a multi-car crash involving around 80 vehicles, according to the police, as cited by CNN.

Similar incidents have been reported in different states across the US.