What is a snow squall? Sudden storms hit Colorado and New Mexico
As a dangerous winter storm makes its way across the country, thousands of flights have been canceled and millions of people from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast are facing winter weather warnings. These warnings include blizzard, ice storm, high wind and even snow squall warnings.
In Colorado, snow squalls developed in the San Luis Valley and moved along the Interstate 25 corridor Wednesday, prompting warnings near Alamosa, Trinidad, Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Further north, Boulder, Fraser and Silverthorne were issued snow squall warnings as well.
Before & after (5 minutes) images of when of the snow squall moved through the Grand Lake area. Near whiteout conditions & snow covered roads are expected with the snow squalls. #cowx
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) February 22, 2023
*images courtesy of Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging pic.twitter.com/WpBQ2H6oso
In New Mexico, snow squalls also moved east across the state.
This snow squall is producing short-lived blizzard conditions as it marches east toward the Rio Grande Valley. Impacts to the #Albuquerque and #SantaFe Metros are likely between 130-300PM MST #nmwx #NM pic.twitter.com/FNOzZ36qnz
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) February 22, 2023
More snow squalls were expected throughout Wednesday evening as the storm system continued to track east, according to the National Weather Service.
What is a snow squall?
According to the National Weather Service, a snow squall is "an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities and is often accompanied by gusty winds."
Unlike a snowstorm, which can last for many hours or even days, snow squalls occur in quick, intense bursts, the National Weather Service said. A snow squall usually only lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
The service warned that snow squalls can bring "sudden whiteout conditions" as well as "slick roadways" that can lead to traffic accidents.
"Although snow accumulations are typically an inch or less, the added combination of gusty winds, falling temperatures and quick reductions in visibility can cause extremely dangerous conditions for motorists," the service wrote on its website. "Unfortunately, there is a long history of deadly traffic accidents associated with snow squalls."
What is a snow squall warning?
According to NWS, a snow squall warning is an alert indicating that a snow squall is about to hit a particular area. Similar to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings, snow squall warnings are "short-fused and focused on distinct areas." The NWS suggests avoiding motor travel in any area where a snow squall warning is issued until the squall passes. For those already on the road, the weather service says to reduce speed while the squall hits.