A snow squall is a short period of heavy snowfall and wind that creates whiteout conditions that can trigger dangerous traffic accidents. Snow squalls are most common in the northern United States – particularly around the Great Lakes – between November and March.

“Snow squalls are the winter equivalent of torrential showers and thunderstorms in the summer,” said Alex Sosnowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. “The strongest gusts, triggered by a rapidly cooling upper atmosphere, can cause strong wind gusts, thunder and even lightning.”

Snow squalls are known to abruptly and drastically reduce visibility. Drivers can be on clear, dry roads with no sign of trouble, only to find themselves dealing with near-zero visibility and treacherous snow-covered surfaces moments later. The pressure to drive quickly in heavy traffic on major highways can increase the risk of fatal crashes, sometimes triggered by sudden braking in poor visibility, like this one on Interstate 81 in Pennsylvania in March 2022.

Snow squalls tend to be extremely intense and short-lived – lasting less than 60 minutes – and can maintain this intensity throughout the duration of a local event. In contrast, a snowstorm can last for several hours or even days and typically affects a much larger geographic region.

A snow squall is similar to a blizzard, but is localized in time or location, and snow accumulations may or may not be significant.

According to the Department of Transportation, vehicle accidents on snowy, slushy or icy roads kill over 1,300 people and injure more than 116,800 people each year. Drivers should avoid distractions while driving, be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions and be aware of snow squall warnings.

In some cases, side roads with lower speed limits or avoiding driving during snow squalls may be a better solution.

Delay travel: If possible, delay your journey. There is no safe place on the road during a snow squall. If you have to drive, monitor the latest forecasts by downloading the free AccuWeather app.

Enable wireless emergency alerts on your cell phone: These alerts cause your phone to vibrate and make a sound (if the sound is turned on) when the National Weather Service issues a severe snow squalls warning. If you receive a warning, safely exit the roadway at the earliest opportunity and wait 30-60 minutes or until the warning is no longer in effect.

Drive defensively: Use defensive driving strategies to ensure you reach a safe place to exit the road. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights and increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If you start to lose control, apply the brakes carefully and steer if you start to skid. Avoid harsh braking or sudden steering movements as these actions may result in a greater loss of control and possibly an accident.

Stay calm: If you have an accident, slow down carefully. Drive past the scene of the accident if you can. If you cannot safely pass, do not get out and stand near your vehicle. If you can safely move far away from the road and the scene of the accident, you should do so, but never get out of your car. Stay seated and fasten your seatbelt until help arrives.