Snow Squalls: A Winter Weather Hazard Announced by National Weather Service

In recent developments, the National Weather Service (NWS) has announced the implementation of impact-based Snow Squall Alerts for mobile devices. This new system is designed to warn people of snow squalls, which are intense bursts of snow that last between 30-60 minutes and can cause hazardous travel conditions.

Understanding Snow Squalls

Snow squalls are often linked with strong cold fronts and are known for sudden whiteout conditions, gusty winds, and rapidly falling temperatures that can quickly turn roads icy. Unlike typical snow showers, snow squalls can have extreme local impacts on travel and commerce, even leading to deadly traffic accidents. Their short-lived but intense nature makes them particularly hazardous, especially as they can occur on days with otherwise partly cloudy skies.

The New Alert System

The NWS will start issuing impact-based Snow Squall Warnings using the “significant” tag for events posing a substantial threat to safe travel. Only high-impact events tagged as “significant” will trigger a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) in the warned area, aiming to reduce overalerting. All Snow Squall Warnings, including those not tagged as “significant,” will continue to be issued on weather.gov, the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio, and other dissemination systems.

Safety Measures

With this new warning system, the NWS emphasizes the importance of being prepared for winter weather. They advise avoiding or delaying motor travel until a squall passes and taking measures like reducing speed, using headlights and hazard lights, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles if caught on the road during a squall. Preparing your vehicle for winter and having an emergency kit are also crucial steps.

Broader Implications

This change reflects the evolving nature of weather forecasting and public safety communication. As snow squalls represent a significant winter weather phenomenon, the NWS’s new approach to warnings aims to enhance public safety and awareness during the winter months.

For more detailed information on impact-based Snow Squall Warnings, you can check out the National Weather Service’s website and their safety page on snow squalls.

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