ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Severe winter weather is not the most common occurrence for many areas in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest and Central Virginia. However, during the early evening of January 3, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg (NWS) issued a Snow Squall Warning for areas from Pulaski to Roanoke.
So, what is a Snow Squall and why are they dangerous?
(Photo Credit: Jemon Haskins, Snow squall blowing through in Forest Va.)
According to the NWS, like a tornado or thunderstorm, a snow squall is a snowstorm that creates sudden white-out conditions combined with strong gusty winds and rapidly falling temperatures that produce icy roads in just a matter of minutes. They form and dissipate quickly, usually in less than an hour, and can cause brief localized extreme impacts on visibility, travel, and business.
(Photo Credit: National Weather Service)
Because of the increased risk of accidents, the NWS recommends avoiding or waiting to travel until after the storm has passed. If you are already driving and cannot exit to a safe location before a storm begins, reduce your speed, turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you. It’s also best not to slam on your brakes.
Additionally, you should always prepare your vehicle for winter weather before traveling, including having an emergency kit on hand and having properly inflated tires.
(Photo Credit: National Weather Service)