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Snow squall
Snow squall
Snow squall
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A hybrid Frontal-Lake Effect Snowsquall hitting Toronto, Canada during rush hour.
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A snow squall, or snowsquall, is a sudden moderately heavy snowfall with blowing snow and strong, gusty surface winds.[1] It is often referred to as a whiteout and is similar to a blizzard but is localized in time or in location and snow accumulations may or may not be significant.

Types

[edit]

There are two primary types of snow squalls: lake effect and frontal. Both types can strongly reduce visibilities and sometimes produce heavy snowfall.

Lake-effect snow

[edit]
Main article: Lake-effect snow

When arctic air moves over large expanses of warmer open waters in winter, convective clouds develop which cause heavy snow showers due to the large amount of moisture available. This occurs southwest of extratropical cyclones, with the curved cyclonic wind flow bringing cold air across the relatively warm Great Lakes which then leads to narrow lake-effect snow bands that can produce significant localized snowfall.[2] Whiteout conditions will affect narrow corridors from shores to inland areas aligned along the prevailing wind direction.[3][4] This will be enhanced when the moving air mass is uplifted by higher elevations. The name originates from the Great Lakes area of North America, however any body of water can produce them. Regions in lee of oceans, such as the Canadian Maritimes could experience such snow squalls.

The areas affected by lake-effect snow are called snowbelts and deposition rate of many inches (centimetres) of snow per hour are common in these situations. In order for lake-effect snow to form, the temperature difference between the water and 850 millibars (850 hPa) should be at least 23 °F (13 °C), surface temperature be around the freezing mark, the lake unfrozen, the path over the lake at least 100 kilometres (62 mi) and the directional wind shear with height should be less than 30° from the surface to 850 millibars (850 hPa).[5] Extremely cold air over still warm water in early winter can even produce thundersnow, snow showers accompanied by lightning and thunder.

Radar trace of lake-effect snow squalls off the Great Lakes from US radars.
Radar image of a strong snow squall off Lake Huron in December 2010. Over 150 cm of snow from this squall, fell north of London, Ontario.[6]
A linear single banded snow squall over Southern Ontario

Frontal snow squall

[edit]
Frontal snow squall moving toward Boston, Massachusetts, United States

A frontal snow squall is an intense frontal convective line (similar to a squall line), when temperature is near freezing at the surface. The strong convection that develops has enough moisture to produce whiteout conditions at places which line passes over as the wind causes intense blowing snow.[3] This type of snow squall generally lasts less than 30 minutes at any point along its path but the motion of the line can cover large distances. Frontal squalls may form a short distance ahead of the surface cold front or behind the cold front in situations where there are other contributing factors such as dynamic lifting from a deepening low pressure system or a series of trough lines which act similar to a traditional cold frontal passage. In situations where squalls develop post-frontally it is not unusual to have two or three linear squall bands pass in rapid succession only separated by 25 miles (40 km) with each passing the same point in roughly 30 minutes apart.

This is similar to a line of thunderstorms in the summer but the tops of the clouds are only 5,000 to 10,000 feet (1,500 to 3,000 m), often difficult to see on radar. Forecasting these types of events is equivalent to summer severe weather forecast for squall lines: presence of a sharp frontal trough with wind shift and low level jet of more than 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph). However, the cold dome behind the trough is at 850 millibars instead of a higher level and must be at least −13 °F (−25 °C). The presence of surface moisture from bodies of water or preexisting liquid precipitation is also a significant contributing factor helping to raise the dew point temperature and saturate the boundary layer. This saturate can significantly increase the amount of convective available potential energy leading to deeper vertical growth and higher precipitable water levels increasing the volume of snow which can be produced by the squall. In cases where there is a large amount of vertical growth and mixing the squall may develop embedded cumulonimbus clouds resulting in lightning and thunder which is dubbed thundersnow.

Dangers

[edit]
Rapidly deteriorating weather conditions during snow squalls often lead to traffic accidents.
Winter conditions on Ontario Highway 401 in Toronto due to a snow squall.

Both types of snow squalls are very dangerous for motorists, airplanes, and other travelers; even can be more dangerous than blizzards.[7] The change in conditions is very sudden, with slippery conditions and abrupt loss of visibility due to whiteouts, which often cause multiple-vehicle collisions. In the case of lake-effect snow, heavy amounts of snow can accumulate in short periods of time, possibly causing road closures and paralyzing cities. For instance, on January 9, 2015, a localized, heavy snow squall caused a 193-vehicle pile-up on I-94 highway near Galesburg, Michigan.[8] On very rare occasions, particularly powerful snow squalls can even become supercells and form tornadoes, even if no lightning or thundersnow is present.[9]

See also

[edit]

Warnings about lake-effect snow:

United States
Canada

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Snow squall

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from Grokipedia
A snow squall is a brief but intense meteorological phenomenon involving heavy snowfall rates of up to 2 inches (5 cm) within 30 minutes, accompanied by gusty winds exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h), which together produce with reduced to less than ¼ mile (0.4 km). These events typically last 30 to 60 minutes and are marked by a rapid onset of near-zero , plunging temperatures that can cause flash freezes, and localized accumulations that make surfaces extremely slippery. Snow squalls form primarily along strong cold fronts where surface-based and frontogenetic forcing interact with high relative in the lower atmosphere (0–2 km above ground level), often under cyclonic flow influenced by mid- to upper-tropospheric jet streaks. They exhibit convective characteristics similar to thunderstorms but occur in winter conditions when air temperatures are at or below freezing (32°F or 0°C), leading to banded or linear features of heavy bands driven by isallobaric couplets. These events are most prevalent from to March, peaking in , and are particularly common in the , especially around the , though they can arise on partly days without broader systems. Median durations include about 17 minutes of heavy ( ≤0.4 km) and 26 minutes of moderate ( ≤0.8 km), with typical peak gusts around 25 knots (12.5 m/s) and accumulations of 2.5 cm. The primary hazards of snow squalls stem from their sudden and localized nature, which drastically reduces driver reaction times and stopping distances—up to ten times longer on icy roads—often resulting in multi-vehicle pileups, injuries, and fatalities. In the United States, winter contributes to over 1,300 annual motor vehicle deaths and more than 116,800 injuries, with snow squalls posing a particularly acute risk due to flash freezes that turn highways into ice rinks without prior warning. To mitigate these dangers, the issues Snow Squall Warnings when criteria such as visibility ≤¼ mile, sub-freezing temperatures, gusty winds, and blowing snow are met, delivering alerts via to urge drivers to avoid or delay travel. Forecasting remains challenging due to low (typically <50 J kg⁻¹) and the need for mesoscale analysis, but tools like the Snow Squall Parameter help improve predictions and support partnerships with transportation agencies for road treatments.

Overview

Definition

A snow squall is an intense, short-lived burst of moderate to heavy snowfall accompanied by strong, gusty surface winds and blowing snow, which together cause a sudden onset of and a rapid drop in to near zero. These events are characterized by their brevity and localization, typically lasting 30 to , though the most intense phase often endures only 5 to 30 minutes. The strong winds, frequently gusting over 35 mph (56 km/h), exacerbate the blowing snow, creating hazardous conditions primarily for motorists due to slick roads and . Key criteria distinguishing a snow squall from other winter phenomena include its narrow, linear structure, often forming in bands 1 to 5 miles (1.6 to 8 km) wide, and its lack of sustained duration or widespread impact. Unlike a , which requires falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for at least three hours with winds of 35 mph or greater, a snow squall is too brief and confined to meet those thresholds, focusing instead on the abrupt intensity and sudden visibility plunge to under 1/4 mile. NWS snow squall warnings, designed as short-fused, polygon-based alerts similar to severe warnings, were piloted in 2018 and implemented nationwide for the 2018-19 winter season to address the unique traffic risks posed by these events. In the 2023-2024 winter season, the NWS enhanced these warnings with impact-based forecasting to better communicate potential dangers like multi-vehicle crashes.

Characteristics

Snow squalls can produce intense snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) per hour or more, though total accumulations are often limited to 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less due to their brevity. The snow particles are typically fine and powdery, owing to low moisture content reflected in high snow-to-liquid ratios ranging from 17:1 to 31:1, which facilitates easy suspension and transport by winds. Recent NWS updates as of the 2024-25 season refined terminology for snow squalls to emphasize their vigorous, short-lived nature in public communications. These events are marked by strong, gusty winds with speeds up to 40 to 60 mph (64 to 97 km/h), often accompanied by blowing that exacerbates conditions. can plummet to less than 1/4 mile (400 m) within minutes, creating sudden whiteout scenarios that severely impair travel and observation. Rapid drops are also common, with decreases of 4°F (2.2°C) or more occurring over short periods behind the , and extreme cases showing drops exceeding 20°F (11°C) within an hour during associated cold fronts. Occasional thunder, referred to as , may accompany snow squalls due to convective instability generating within the heavy snowfall. These phenomena manifest as narrow, fast-moving bands progressing at 25 to 50 mph (40 to 80 km/h), typically spanning 50 to 100 miles in length but only 2 to 20 miles in width. The overall duration remains brief, usually less than 1 hour, with heavy snow phases lasting around 17 minutes on average.[](https://www.weather.gov/media/btv/research/S Snow%20Squalls%20Forecasting%20and%20Hazard%20Mitigation.pdf)

Formation

Meteorological Conditions

Snow squalls primarily develop during winter along strong cold fronts or within low-pressure systems, where cold Arctic air advects southward over relatively warmer surfaces such as land or unfrozen water bodies. This synoptic setup often features deep-layer cyclonic flow and positioning on the cyclonic shear side of a mid- to upper-tropospheric jet streak, facilitating the advection of cold air masses from polar regions. The incoming air typically exhibits surface temperatures near or below freezing (0°C or 32°F), often dropping further during the event, and 850 hPa temperatures ranging from -12°C to -18°C, promoting conditions suitable for snow formation through dendrite crystal growth. These events are most common in mid-latitude regions, including the area of the and , and the Northeast U.S., where an unstable develops due to the contrast between the cold air and underlying warmer surfaces. Sufficient low-level moisture is essential, often sourced from nearby large water bodies, frontal boundaries, or residual in the atmosphere, enabling convective initiation. In the , snow squalls peak from to , with enhanced frequency in areas downwind of large lakes or oceans, where and fluxes from the amplify . Key instability metrics include low (CAPE) values typically ranging from 0 to 100 J/kg, often around 50 J/kg or less in median cases, alongside strong low-level (median 0–2 km speeds of about 12 m/s) that promotes linear organization of the squalls.

Physical Mechanisms

Snow squalls arise from mesoscale convective processes where cold air advects over a warmer surface along a , releasing through and fostering upright cells or roll vortices. This convective initiation is driven by surface-based instability, often with low (CAPE) values below 100 J kg⁻¹, combined with frontogenetic forcing and low-level moisture convergence in the 0–2 km layer above ground level (AGL). The released enhances upward motion, organizing these cells into linear features that propagate as lines, with vertical velocities peaking at 1–2 Pa s⁻¹ in the 950–850 hPa layer. Momentum transfer within snow squalls occurs primarily through downdrafts accelerated by evaporative cooling of falling snow, which mixes dry air into the system and intensifies surface gusts. These downdrafts transport higher-momentum air from aloft to the surface, amplified by strong low-level wind shear, such as 30–40 knots at 850 mb perpendicular to the front, sustaining turbulent gustiness and enhancing blowing snow. Steep near-surface lapse rates and isallobaric wind gradients further contribute to this downward momentum flux, resulting in surface winds often exceeding 11 m s⁻¹. Snow production in these events stems from convergence in unstable layers, promoting the formation of dendritic ice crystals in a saturated growth zone between -12°C and -18°C, where high snow-to-liquid ratios of 17:1 to 31:1 are common. perturbations drive the vertical motion essential for this process; the , which contributes to vertical ww, is given by dwdt=gθθ′θ,\frac{dw}{dt} = \frac{g}{\theta} \frac{\theta'}{\theta}, where gg is , θ\theta is the base-state potential , and θ′\theta' is the perturbation potential . This derives from the vertical in a Boussinesq , where the term gθ′θ\frac{g \theta'}{\theta} represents the due to density differences from release, integrated over depth to yield updrafts that loft for . Dissipation of snow squalls happens rapidly, typically within 20–40 minutes, as the system moves downstream and entrains drier air, reducing moisture availability and instability following the frontal passage. The shallow convection weakens above 600 hPa, with vertical motion diminishing and the linear organization breaking apart due to decreasing frontogenetic forcing.

Types

Lake-Effect Snow Squalls

Lake-effect snow squalls occur when cold arctic air masses, typically originating from , flow over the relatively warm, unfrozen waters of the during late fall and winter, leading to intense, localized bands of heavy snowfall downwind. These events are driven by a significant contrast, often exceeding 13°C between the lake surface and the overlying air at 850 mb level, which promotes and upward heat and moisture fluxes from the lake into the atmosphere. The cold air, with temperatures well below freezing, picks up warmth and , becoming conditionally unstable and forming convective meso-scale bands that can produce snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour or more. The formation relies on northwesterly to westerly winds, usually sustained at 10 to 20 knots, that allow the air to acquire sufficient moisture over the lakes without advecting it too rapidly inland. These winds create a "fetch"—the distance the air travels over open water—which enhances the intensity; for instance, fetches of 50 to 150 miles across Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie enable the development of organized, narrow snow bands aligned parallel to the wind direction. Unstable atmospheric lapse rates, often 10 to 12°C per kilometer in the planetary boundary layer, further amplify convection, drawing on general thermal instability mechanisms but intensified by the lake's persistent heat source. In certain synoptic conditions, multiple such bands can form, leading to prolonged or repeated squalls over downwind areas. These squalls predominantly affect "snowbelt" regions immediately downwind of the , including the southern and eastern shores where orographic enhancement from nearby terrain can intensify . Key hotspots include areas east and south of Lakes Erie and , such as the , region, which receives an average annual snowfall of about 95 inches largely from lake-effect events, and the Plateau northeast of , where averages exceed 200 inches annually due to repeated squalls funneled by the lake's elongated fetch. Similar patterns occur downwind of near the and 's eastern shore, though intensities vary with lake size and ice cover; Lakes Superior and Michigan, with longer fetches up to 150 miles, often produce the most persistent events compared to the shorter 30-mile fetch across Lake Erie. Unlike broader snow squalls, lake-effect variants are more stationary and recurrent, persisting for hours to days as long as the wind aligns with the lake axis and fetches remain open, rather than being transient with passing fronts; this leads to highly localized accumulations, with snowbelts experiencing 100 to 250 inches seasonally from dozens of events, while areas just upwind or perpendicular to see far less. Factors like fetch length and wind-parallel lake orientations thus dictate heavier squalls, with unstable lapse rates sustaining meso-scale organization over synoptic-scale influences alone.

Frontal Snow Squalls

Frontal snow squalls form along the leading edges of fast-moving cold fronts, typically advancing at speeds of 30 to 40 knots (approximately 35 to 46 mph), where upper-level support from mid- to upper-level shortwave troughs and cyclonic shear on the cyclonic side of the 300-mb jet stream initiate convective activity. These events are characterized by quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS) driven by frontogenetic circulation, which produces thermally direct vertical motion with ascent on the warm side of the front and descent on the cold side, often maximizing at around 1 km above ground level. A surface pressure rise-fall couplet of 5 to 10 mb over three hours further enhances the system, leading to forward motion exceeding 40 knots and strong low-level wind gusts due to downward mixing in a moist absolutely unstable layer (MAUL). Post-frontal dry air slots play a critical role in enhancing by introducing drier air that contrasts with the moist pre-frontal environment, promoting conditional instability and efficient growth in the dendrite zone between -12°C and -18°C. is primarily sourced from the pre-frontal warm sector, fueling the as isentropic lift over sloping terrain, such as in the Appalachians, generates banded patterns with echoes of 30 to 40 dBZ near the surface and weaker echoes up to 10 to 15 kft aloft. These squalls are common across the Plains to the Northeast U.S., with frequent occurrences in the Midwest and Appalachians, where small (CAPE) values of 50 to 100 J/kg near the surface support brief but intense . Intensity is closely tied to frontal speed, with advances exceeding 30 mph correlating to gustier winds and more organized lines, as rapid cold air steepens lapse rates and amplifies low-level shear. Unlike more stationary systems, frontal snow s exhibit erratic paths due to the meandering nature of , and they often feature or mixed precipitation types ahead of the line where drier air aloft limits snowfall reaching the ground. For instance, Arctic cold frontal passages in the Midwest, such as those affecting and , have produced notable snow s with sudden heavy and wind shifts.

Hazards and Impacts

Safety Risks

Snow squalls pose severe risks to motorists due to sudden that reduce to near zero, often leading to abrupt vehicle stops and multi-vehicle pile-ups on highways. These intense, brief bursts of heavy and strong winds, with gusts of 30 mph (48 km/h) or more, create hazardous driving environments where drivers have little time to react. The reports that in 2023, there were 320 fatal crashes and over 22,000 injury crashes involving or sleet conditions, highlighting the elevated dangers of low- winter weather. Additionally, the rapid temperature drops during squalls can cause , forming on roadways that exacerbates skidding and loss of control. Beyond roadways, snow squalls threaten personal health through extreme , which can lower effective temperatures below -20°F (-29°C), accelerating on exposed skin within 30 minutes and increasing the risk of from prolonged exposure in exposed individuals outdoors. The notes that such conditions pose risks of and , particularly affecting those caught without shelter during the event. Aviation faces sudden and reduced visibility from these squalls, posing risks to low-flying and complicating takeoffs or landings in affected areas, as cautioned by aviation guidelines. Infrastructure is also vulnerable, with high winds damaging power lines and causing outages, as seen in events where squalls have knocked out to communities due to downed trees and lines. Particularly vulnerable populations include drivers on major routes like Interstate 90 near the , where lake-effect snow squalls frequently trigger chain-reaction crashes involving dozens of vehicles due to the combination of heavy and icy surfaces. Pedestrians in urban areas risk severe disorientation and falls in , compounded by wind-driven that impairs navigation and increases exposure to . To mitigate these risks, authorities recommend avoiding during active squalls if possible; if caught driving, motorists should slow down gradually, activate hazard lights, and pull as far off the road as safely possible without stopping in traffic lanes.

Notable Incidents

One of the most severe snow squall incidents in recent U.S. history occurred on March 28, 2022, along in , where a sudden snow squall reduced to near zero, triggering an 80-vehicle pileup involving cars, trucks, and semis. The crash resulted in six fatalities and over two dozen injuries, with the interstate closed for several days, leading to extensive traffic disruptions and emergency response efforts across the region. This event highlighted the rapid onset of snow squalls, as winds gusted up to 30 mph amid heavy snowfall rates, underscoring the need for enhanced public awareness. In February 2018, a intense winter storm produced heavy and squall-like conditions on near , causing a massive pileup involving 50 to 70 vehicles, including 15 semi-trucks, with one person killed and at least five others seriously injured. Visibility dropped dramatically as accumulated rapidly on the roadway, leading to a multi-hour closure of the highway and requiring coordinated rescue operations by state patrol and emergency services. The incident prompted discussions on improving driver education for sudden changes in the Midwest. A notable lake-effect snow squall event struck the Chicago area on January 21-22, 2014, when a persistent band off dumped 1.5 to 2 feet of snow in hours in localized areas, with rates up to 4 inches per hour, forcing the shutdown of major roadways and significant flight cancellations at . The squall contributed to widespread power outages and stranded hundreds of travelers, illustrating the hazards of Great Lakes-enhanced events during cold outbreaks. Economic impacts included millions in cleanup and delay costs for transportation . In November 2014, the "Snowvember" lake-effect squalls battered , and surrounding areas, accumulating up to 7 feet of snow in some spots over several days, resulting in 13 deaths from related accidents and collapses, alongside the closure of the airport and portions of the . These squalls, driven by record-cold lake temperatures, trapped motorists and overwhelmed emergency services, leading to state-declared emergencies and long-term structural reinforcements in the region. On January 7, 2026, a snow squall warning was issued for areas near Spokane, Washington, affecting major highways including I-90, US-195, US-2, and US-395, with heavy snow reducing visibilities to a quarter mile or less and winds gusting up to 30 mph, creating dangerous driving conditions with flash freezing on roads. The Winter Weather Advisory for the Spokane area was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning, with a band of heavy snow producing localized accumulations of 4 to 8 inches in locations such as Downtown Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, and Cheney. Crews deployed plows on highways like I-90, and officials urged drivers to slow down, delay travel, and exercise extreme caution. Snow squall incidents predominantly occur from December to February in the , aligning with peak cold frontal passages and lake-effect seasons. Following the 2022 Pennsylvania crash, the implemented nationwide Snow Squall Warnings effective November 2022, allowing for targeted alerts and wireless emergency notifications to mitigate future risks, a direct response to the event's visibility and multi-vehicle crash patterns. Globally, similar squall events have caused disruptions; during the 2018 "" in the , intense snow bands from a Siberian led to widespread highway closures and approximately 17 fatalities from weather-related accidents across the . In , recurrent Sea of Japan snow squalls frequently produce extreme snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour along the northwest coast, as seen in January 2025 events that stranded vehicles and suspended bullet train services, emphasizing shared challenges in forecasting narrow, intense bands.

Forecasting and Mitigation

Detection Methods

Detection of snow squalls relies on a combination of technologies and surface measurements to identify their rapid development and convective characteristics in real time. Dual-polarization , such as the network, enhances detection by distinguishing hydrometeor types like from other echoes and identifying linear reflectivity bands exceeding 30 dBZ, which indicate intense, organized cores typical of s. These systems also reveal velocity couplets in Doppler data, signaling gust fronts with converging winds that drive squall formation. -derived products, including Vertically Integrated Liquid (VIL), further assess intensity by integrating reflectivity through the column, aiding in the quantification of squall strength even in winter conditions where densities vary. Satellite observations complement radar by providing broader contextual views of . (GOES) imagery, particularly channels, detects thermal contrasts through rapidly cooling cloud tops, which signal intensifying within squalls; mesoscale sectors update every minute to track these evolving features. models like the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR), based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) framework, forecast mesoscale bands associated with squalls 1-3 hours in advance by simulating moisture, , and in the lower . Ground-based networks offer direct validation of squall impacts at the surface. Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) stations monitor sudden wind gusts exceeding 26 knots and visibility reductions to 0.8 km or less, hallmarks of squall passage that confirm radar-detected events. Mesonet arrays, such as the New York State Mesonet, track sharp temperature gradients across fronts, helping pinpoint areas prone to squall triggering by highlighting boundary layer contrasts. Despite these tools, detecting snow squalls presents challenges due to their mesoscale and brevity. Lead times are often limited to 10-30 minutes because of rapid evolution from convective to , complicating timely alerts. Additionally, clutter from ground targets can produce false alarms, mimicking squall signatures and requiring careful data filtering to maintain accuracy.

Warning Systems

The (NWS) issues Snow Squall Warnings for brief periods of 30 to 60 minutes when intense bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds, and falling temperatures are expected to cause and hazardous travel. These warnings are triggered by criteria including visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less, wind speeds of 35 mph or greater, and temperatures at or below freezing. Piloted in select eastern U.S. regions during the 2017-2018 winter season, the program expanded to operational nationwide availability by early 2018. Enhanced dissemination via (WEA) for high-impact events was fully implemented across all NWS offices by February 2023. Warnings are disseminated rapidly to the public through notifications sent directly to compatible mobile phones in affected areas, broadcasts on , and real-time color-coded interactive maps available on weather.gov. This multi-channel approach ensures timely alerts, emphasizing immediate actions such as pulling over safely or delaying travel to mitigate sudden visibility loss and icy roads. Internationally, employs Snow Squall Watches and Warnings to address similar threats, distinguishing between open-water types (downwind of large lakes with snowfall of 15 cm or more in 12 hours and visibility under 400 meters for at least three hours) and frontal types (brief visibility reductions to 400 meters or less with gusts of 45 km/h or more tied to cold fronts). In the , the lacks a dedicated snow squall product but incorporates these conditions into broader snow and ice warnings within its color-coded system, where yellow alerts signal potential minor disruptions and amber alerts indicate likely significant impacts requiring preparation. The design of Snow Squall Warnings, issued as short-fused polygons akin to severe or alerts, promotes public education on treating them with equivalent urgency to prevent chain-reaction crashes during whiteout events.

References

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  49. https://english.news.cn/20250110/1beecee234284add9bb55bbf32b980a6/c.html
  50. https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/snow-squalls-and-snow-squall-warnings/radar-color-tables
  51. https://www.weather.gov/bmx/radar_dualpol
  52. https://www.icams-portal.gov/resources/ofcm/fmh/FMH11/fmh11partC.pdf
  53. https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/heres-how-satellite-data-helps-forecasters-issue-snow-squall-alerts
  54. https://ams.confex.com/ams/19Mountain/webprogram/Handout/Paper376325/20200706_Capella_MtnMet.pdf
  55. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/58edc3d1c25a4a679b80c5f7cd5c4473
  56. https://www.roc.noaa.gov/public-documents/operations-branch/Data_Quality_Oddities_and_Anomalies.pdf
  57. https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2024/12/05/what-is-a-snow-squall-warning-new-weather-advisory-rare-in-wisconsin/76797035007/
  58. https://www.weather.gov/news/220411_snow-squall
  59. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/types-weather-forecasts-use/public/criteria-alerts.html
  60. https://www.weather.gov/media/iln/winter/snowsquallwarning.pdf
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