Snow Squall Warning? What is it?

I’m sure many of you were wondering, why is my phone beeping with a “weather emergency”  It doesn’t happen often around our area.  It’s typical for areas around the Great Lakes as they experience snow squall warnings frequently during the winter months.   So, let’s dive into what a snow squall warning really is.

snow squall
Snow squall Courtesy: NWS

 

Snow squall warnings are issued by the NWS (National Weather Service) when rapidly deteriorating conditions are expected over a specific area causing near whiteout conditions.   A snow squall warning is  a “polygon” warning, similar to severe thunderstorm/tornado warning.  Most snow squall warnings are for a short duration (30 to 60 minutes)

So, next time you are on the road and you hear a snow squall warning has been issued, prepare for blizzard like conditions with near zero visibility that lasts about 30 min.

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