A harmful snow squall has prompted the Nationwide Climate Service to concern warnings throughout a number of counties in Massachusetts and Connecticut, urging residents to brace for quickly altering climate situations, together with near-zero visibility, icy roads, and robust winds.
The alert, issued Thursday morning, highlights the high-impact nature of this short-duration however intense winter climate occasion.
The Snow Squall Warning, issued by the NWS Boston/Norton workplace, cautions that the squall will transfer shortly throughout the area, making street situations hazardous and probably resulting in severe journey disruptions.
Key Highlights:
- Snow Squall Warnings in impact for a number of counties in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- Whiteout situations are anticipated with little to no warning.
- Icy roads, lowered visibility, and high-speed winds are main considerations.
- Motorists are suggested to delay journey if doable.
“For those who should journey, preserve an additional flashlight, meals, and water in your automobile in case of an emergency,” the Nationwide Climate Service urged in its official assertion. “Sudden visibility discount and fast icing could make roads treacherous inside minutes.”
Counties Underneath Snow Squall Warning
The next counties are at the moment underneath snow squall warning as per the most recent advisory from the NWS:
| State | Counties Underneath Snow Squall Warning |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Worcester, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex |
| Connecticut | Hartford, Tolland, Windham |
This squall is transferring at a quick tempo, and meteorologists emphasize that its hazard lies not in heavy snow accumulation, however in how shortly situations deteriorate. Snow squalls are recognized for catching drivers off guard, particularly on highways like I-84, I-90, and I-91, the place excessive speeds improve accident threat throughout sudden whiteouts.
What You Must Know
Snow squalls are finest described because the wintertime equal of summer season thunderstorms—quick, intense, and harmful. They will create prompt ice on street surfaces, scale back visibility to close zero, and infrequently result in multi-vehicle pileups when drivers can’t react shortly sufficient.
The Massachusetts Emergency Administration Company (MEMA) and Connecticut DOT are carefully monitoring the scenario and inspiring individuals to remain off the roads till the squall has safely handed. Visibility and street situations can go from clear to lethal in underneath 60 seconds.
Security Suggestions from Consultants
- Keep away from journey till the warning has expired.
- If caught whereas driving, decelerate progressively, activate headlights and hazard lights, and keep away from braking all of the sudden.
- Pull off the street if doable, away from site visitors lanes.
Forecasters anticipate the snow squall to exit most affected areas by early night, however frigid temperatures could preserve roads slick into the evening. Further flurries and wind gusts might observe the squall, particularly in greater elevation areas of central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
As all the time, keep tuned to official NWS alerts, native climate forecasts, and emergency administration communications for the most recent developments.
