3 States Warned About Potentially 'Dangerous' Travel Amid Snow Squalls

Winter is in full effect, and bad weather has been wreaking havoc nationwide. Snow, in particular, has been prominent in several regions, including the Great Lakes and Northeast.

Everyone knows snow can be dangerous, and not just when several inches (or feet) fall in one place. Snow squalls, which are short, intense and can also be quite harmful.

Currently, multiple states are under a "Snow Squall Warning" from the National Weather Service (NWS).

What is a snow squall?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a snow squall is "a brief period of intense snowfall and wind" that can cause whiteout conditions, with low or zero visibility, along with a possible flash freeze. Such conditions can lead to a dangerous driving environment.

The major difference between a snow squall and your typical snow storm is time.

"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," says the NOAA. "A snow storm could last for several hours or even days, and typically impacts a much broader geographic region."

What states are under a 'Snow Squall Warning'?

As of Sunday afternoon, parts of Pennsylvania and New York are under a "Snow Squall Warning," according to the NWS. Areas of Virginia were also under one earlier in the day.

The areas impacted by the warning are southwestern Schuyler County, northwestern Chemung County and Steuben County in central New York and Lycoming and Tioga Counties in north central Pennsylvania.

"Intense bursts of heavy snow. Gusty winds leading to blowing snow and rapidly falling visibility. Wind gusts up to 35 mph," the alert says. "Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes."

What to do if caught in a snow squall

The NOAA recommends delaying travel if possible if squalls are in the forecast, but if you must hit the road, there are a couple of tips you should follow.

• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone
• Drive defensively
• Remain calm

"Turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and start adding plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you," the NOAA says. "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.

"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."