GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Winter in West Michigan can bring some unpredictable weather to the region and that includes the occasional snow squall.
While Michiganders are no strangers to snow storms, heavy snowfall paired with gusty winds can create dangerous travel conditions.
A trifecta of wind, cold, and snow is set to create significant challenges for both the evening and morning commutes. Winter Storm warnings have been issued for a vast majority of West Michigan because of these impacts.
Snow squalls will impact the Wednesday evening commute, particularly on I-96, I-94, and US-131. Be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions and allow extra time for travel.
What is a snow squall?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a snow squall is a brief, intense snowfall accompanied by strong, gusty winds that dramatically reduce visibility. Unlike steady snowfall, these compact storm systems create sudden whiteout conditions that can appear and disappear rapidly.
Characteristics of Snow Squalls
- Rapid Onset: Snow squalls develop and intensify within minutes
- High Winds: Typically feature wind speeds of 25-35 mph
- Limited Duration: Usually last 30-60 minutes
- Dramatic Visibility Reduction: Can drop visibility to near zero quickly
Why they are dangerous
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that snow squalls are particularly hazardous for drivers. The combination of sudden heavy snowfall and wind can create immediate road hazards.
Here are four things you can do to stay safe during a snow squall:
1. Delay travel
There is no safe place on the road during a snow squall.
When snow squalls are in the forecast, the safest action is to avoid or delay travel. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings on weather.gov or your local National Weather Service Forecast Office before heading out.
2. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone
If you don’t have the option to delay travel, be ready to react if a snow squall warning is issued for your area. The best way to keep informed is to ensure you have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your cell phone. These alerts will cause your phone to vibrate and sound an alarm (if enabled) when a snow squall warning of significant impact has been issued by the National Weather Service. If you get an alert, safely exit the road at the next opportunity and wait 30-60 minutes or until the warning expires.
3. Drive defensively
Practice common defensive driving techniques to help you continue to move towards a safe location where you can exit the highway or interstate. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and start adding plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Should you start to lose control, pump your brakes and steer through any sliding. Avoid slamming on your brakes or turning the wheel aggressively as this will cause further loss of control and potentially cause a collision.
4. Remain calm
If traffic starts to slow, stop, or if you encounter an accident, gently slow your speed and carefully drive past the accident if possible. If it is not an option to continue forward or if you’ve stopped, do not get out and stand near your vehicle. However, if it’s not safe to leave the roadway, stay in your vehicle, remain seated and keep your seatbelt on. Then, wait for help from local officials.
Remember, there is no safe place on the road during a snow squall.
