Widespread snow squalls are likely during periods of the day Wednesday. During these periods, we advise monitoring radar and latest minutely forecasts. You will not want to be on a highway when a snow squall strikes, as dangerous conditions will occur.
The National Weather Service began issuing Snow Squall Warnings a few years ago. These warnings are for imminent threats, like severe thunderstorm warnings. If your area is under this warning, avoid traveling, especially on highways. These squalls will only last about 10 – 20 minutes each each, however some locations may be impacted by more than one squall. Here are some crucial safety tips.
Like severe thunderstorms, even local regions will not be equally impacted. These squalls to a lesser extent feed off of instability, meaning isolated thundersnow will be possible.
It’s also worth noting that there will be a rapid freeze-up after squalls move through, and some areas will be above freezing beforehand. So a layer of black ice is possible for the next few hours following the snow squalls.
WEDNESDAY’S SNOW SQUALL TIMING
In the northwest quarter of the state, snow squall timing will primarily be from 8 – 10 AM. However, the Pennsylvania Wilds will see scattered lake effect streamers for the rest of Wednesday.
Timing will be roughly 10 AM – 12 PM in the Pittsburgh Metro, over towards Happy Valley and into Northeast PA. Some locales may see two squalls, while others may see just one weak squall. It’s really the luck of the draw.
South of Pittsburgh to the Laurel Highlands and then into East Central PA will likely see scattered snow squalls between 12 – 2 PM.
WEDNESDAY’S SNOW SQUALL THREAT MAP
Area A: Widespread snow squalls are anticipated to hit ~70% of this area. Squalls will create blizzard conditions, causing very hazardous travel conditions and snow-covered roads.
Area B: Scattered snow squalls are expected to hit ~30% of this area. Temperatures above freezing beforehand followed by a rapid freeze-up may cause black ice to form.
Don’t forget to share this forecast and important safety tips with family and friends!
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