Snow showers are the winter version of a summer thunderstorm, intense weather conditions, but generally of limited duration. A beautiful day, sunny and pleasant, can quickly degenerate into white conditions and the Arctic air that these strong cold fronts bring can freeze roads within minutes.
Authorities warn about this “There is no safe place on the highway during a snowfall.”
What is a snow shower and why are they so dangerous?
Snow showers are “intense short-lived moderate to heavy snow showers” according to the National Weather Service. As soon as a snow shower starts, it quickly reduces visibility and when combined with gusty winds creates whiteout conditions. The weather phenomena are “associated with strong cold fronts that bring arctic air in winter”, which can cause roads to “freeze quickly”. This in turn often leads to ‘chain reaction accidents and treacherous travel conditions’.
“Snow can turn a dry roadway into an ice rink in just a few minutes. This increases your braking distance ten times” explained Jeff Jumper, a state meteorologist with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency public service announcement. “So at 70 miles per hour, instead of taking the length of a football field to stop, it will take half a mile. If you can’t see and you can’t stop, the chance of having an accident increases significantly.”
Recommendations for snow showers
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Authorities advise sign up for alerts on your mobile phone to receive the latest updates on weather conditions in your area. You should also avoid or postpone car travel until the rain has passed your location. And it is recommended that you consider an alternative route.
If you are on the road during a snowstorm, it is recommended to turn on the vehicle’s headlights, reduce speed gradually and do not slam on the brakes. Stay in your lane and increase your following distance. Leave the road safely at the next opportunity.