FOUR states will experience intense flurries of heavy snow and gusty winds producing whiteout this weekend.
Snow squall warnings were issued in parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New York ahead of Saturday.
The National Weather Service defined a snow squall in 2018 as “an intense, short-duration flurry of heavy snowfall that causes a rapid reduction in visibility and is often accompanied by gusty winds.”
A strong and fast cold front will bring the squalls across the northeast with one inch of snow expected per hour accompanied by dangerous winds.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings in those specific areas of the northeast through emergency alerts on cellphones.
White snow has even hit Illinois before, as reports of heavy snowfall blew into Chicago on Friday night around 10:30 p.m.
The NWS then issued a winter weather advisory for the Chicago area and described the snow squall as an “immediate snowball” due to high winds and snow.
Chicago’s Rockford Airport picked up more than an inch of snow in just 30 minutes during the flurry, according to their reports.
The flurry caused 100 cars to pile up on I-39 in the snowstorm, closing about 25 miles of the freeway.
According to the Service, the snow squall also moved through Wisconsin, northeastern Iowa and parts of northern Illinois.
Friday was the first time snow squall warnings have been issued to Wisconsin residents.
Weather reports showed winds were blowing up to 50 miles per hour, causing a wind advisory in effect until Saturday morning at 4am.
MASSACHUSETTS
The cold front will move into Massachusetts from the Great Lakes, bringing scattered rain and snow showers.
Reports from meteorologists indicate that snow squalls could potentially begin in the area late Saturday morning through late Saturday afternoon.
The first snow squall could arrive in Boston around noon, according to CBS.
Most of the snow is expected to melt by Sunday as the forecast calls for a sunny day with temperatures in the 30s.
NEW YORK
According to the National Weather Service, a snow squall is “rushing” into the Niagara border.
The squall warning was in effect until 9:15 a.m. around Buffalo.
A winter weather advisory was issued from 4:00 p.m. Saturday to 3:00 a.m. Sunday, the weather service said.
Local road closures are possible due to possible flooding, as well as 80 km/h wind blowing tree branches.
BE READY
The worst place a person can be during a snow squall is on the highway.
There is no safe place on the road in a squall, says the National Weather Service.
If you happen to get caught in a snow squall, the first thing to remember is to try to stay calm.
Do not make quick or sudden movements, gradually reduce your speed over time.
Turn on your headlights and hazard warning lights and try to get off the road as soon as possible, without speeding.
The best thing to do during a winter storm is to avoid driving altogether.
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