The National Weather Service issued an updated snow squall warning at 10:13 a.m. Thursday that is in effect until 11:15 a.m. for Bergen and Passaic counties.

“At 10:12 a.m., a snow squall was detected along a line extending from near Napanoch, through near Goshen, to near Lake Mohawk, moving east at 40 miles per hour,” the weather service explains. “Travel becomes difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”

According to the weather service: “Reduce speed and turn on headlights!” During snow squalls, visibility can suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions. Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location. If you have to travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slippery road conditions can lead to accidents.

Dealing with snow squalls: understand, prepare and stay safe

What are snow squalls?

Snow squalls are intense winter weather events that are often accompanied by strong cold fronts. They can quickly cover roads with snow and ice, even without a major winter storm in the forecast. These squalls typically last less than an hour and result in minor snow accumulation. However, due to limited visibility, gusty winds and rapidly dropping temperatures, these squalls can still be dangerous. Unfortunately, these conditions have resulted in serious and sometimes fatal traffic accidents in the past.

What is the difference between a snow squall and a blizzard?

The main difference between a snow squall and a blizzard is their duration and intensity. Snow squalls are usually short but intense, lasting about 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast, a snowstorm can last several hours or even days

Snow squalls warnings

Snow squall warnings are issued quickly for specific areas, similar to tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They provide important, localized information that helps save lives. If a snow squall is reported in your area, it’s best to postpone or avoid driving until the squall moves along.

Actions during a snow squall warning

In response to a snow squall warning, individuals should follow the Weather Service’s guidelines, which include the following key actions:

Avoid or delay travel: If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay driving until the squall passes your location. There’s really no safe place to be on the highway during a snow squall.

Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you are already on the road during a snow squall, stay safe by reducing your speed. Turn on both your headlights and hazard lights to improve visibility for you and other drivers.

Maintain a safe distance: Keep enough distance from the car in front of you.

Avoid sudden braking: It’s also best not to hit the brakes. On slippery/icy roads, this can result in loss of control of the vehicle and also increase the risk of a chain accident.

Winter Weather Safety Tips: For tips on how to stay safe before, during and after winter weather, visit the Weather Service’s Winter Weather Safety page.

Prepare your vehicle: Proactively prepare your vehicle for winter conditions before setting off. This includes checking your tires, brakes, and lights, as well as topping off your vehicle’s fluids. A well-maintained vehicle is better able to handle the challenges of winter driving.

The most important thing for emergency equipment: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive emergency kit that includes essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car phone charger, a map, and kitty litter or sand to improve tire traction. These provisions can be invaluable in the event of an unforeseen breakdown or emergency during your trip.

In summary, during a snow squall warning, prioritizing personal safety and following weather service recommendations can significantly reduce the risks. Through understanding, preparation and vigilance, individuals can navigate these winter hazards with greater confidence and safety.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.