Mid-Atlantic Snow Squalls May Rapidly Disrupt I-95 Travel
Snow squalls pose a substantial threat to travel across the Mid-Atlantic, creating rapidly dangerous conditions for drivers. These brief yet intense bursts of snowfall commonly occur along significant winter cold fronts that move southeast from the Ohio Valley.
Understanding Snow Squalls
Snow squalls are characterized by narrow bands of heavy snow, often accompanied by gusty winds. They can drastically reduce visibility, sometimes to near zero within minutes. While these events generally last from 15 to 60 minutes, their sudden emergence can make road conditions perilous.
Formation and Impact
- Cold air following strong winter fronts triggers heavy snow bursts.
- Drivers may experience clear conditions that shift to blinding snow in seconds.
- Roads can freeze quickly, turning wet surfaces into icy patches.
This abrupt change creates significant hazards, particularly along major routes such as Interstates 95, 81, 83, 66, and 270, especially during peak commuting hours. These conditions have contributed to numerous multi-vehicle accidents.
Warnings and Recommendations
The National Weather Service issues Snow Squall Warnings in the Mid-Atlantic region to alert drivers of these sudden weather changes. Recommendations include:
- Slow down and maintain a safe speed.
- Turn on headlights for better visibility.
- Increase following distance from other vehicles.
- Avoid abrupt braking.
Snow squalls are frequently experienced in the interior parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and northern Delaware. However, urban areas and coastal highways can also be affected during severe cold outbreaks.
Travel Disruptions
For commuters, students, and early-shift workers in the Mid-Atlantic, snow squalls can result in significant travel interruptions despite their brief duration. Awareness of these conditions is crucial to ensure safety on the roads.
