Heed snow safety signs (like the one pictured here) and snow alerts to stay safe during winter weather. (Image credit: Getty Images)
It’s that time of year to watch out for one of the most dangerous and underplayed winter hazards while on the road: Snow squalls.
A snow squall is a brief period of intense snowfall and wind that leads to whiteout conditions, zero visibility, a possible flash freeze and dangerous traffic accidents. Snow squalls are most common in the northern U.S. — especially around the Great Lakes — between the months of November and March.
Snow squall vs. snow storm
The biggest difference between a snow squall and a snow storm is the duration of the event. Snow squalls are usually extremely intense and very short-lived (on the order of 30-60 minutes), and can retain that intensity during its entire duration in a localized event. A snow storm could last for several hours or even days, and typically impacts a much broader geographic region.
According to the Department of Transportation, each year, “over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.”
So what should you do if you are caught in this potentially deadly weather phenomenon? Check out these four easy actions you can take to keep you safe during a snow squall.
1. Delay travel.
There is no safe place on the road during a snow squall.
When snow squalls are in the forecast, the safest action is to avoid or delay motor travel. Enjoy a hot beverage or that breakfast you never have time for and wait out the squall. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings on weather.gov or your local National Weather Service Forecast Office before heading out.
2. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone.
If you don’t have the option to delay travel, be ready to react if a snow squall warning is issued for your area. The best way to keep informed is to ensure you have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your cell phone. These alerts will cause your phone to vibrate and sound an alarm (if enabled) when a snow squall warning of significant impact has been issued by the National Weather Service. If you get an alert, safely exit the road at the next opportunity and wait 30-60 minutes or until the warning expires.
Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.
3. Drive defensively.
Imagine you’re driving during a squall. There isn’t an accessible exit and visibility is lowering quickly. What do you do? Practice common defensive driving techniques to help you continue to move towards a safe location where you can exit the highway or interstate. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and start adding plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Should you start to lose control, pump your brakes and steer through any sliding. Avoid slamming on your brakes or turning the wheel aggressively as this will cause further loss of control and potentially cause a collision.
4. Remain calm.
If traffic starts to slow, stop, or if you encounter an accident, gently slow your speed and carefully drive past the accident if possible. If it is not an option to continue forward or if you’ve stopped, do not get out and stand near your vehicle. If you are able to safely get far away from the road and accident, you should do so. However, if it’s not safe to leave the roadway, stay in your vehicle, remain seated and keep your seatbelt on. This is a good time to use the entertainment you’ve packed in your winter emergency kit while you wait for help from local officials.
Remember, there is no safe place on the road during a snow squall.
