East Coast – Snow squalls are brief but intense bursts of snowfall that can rapidly create dangerous travel conditions across the East Coast.
According to the National Weather Service, a snow squall is a narrow band of heavy snow often accompanied by gusty winds, causing visibility to drop to near zero in a matter of minutes. While they are short-lived—typically lasting 15 to 60 minutes—snow squalls can be especially dangerous for drivers due to how quickly conditions deteriorate.
On the East Coast, snow squalls most often develop along strong cold fronts sweeping from west to east, particularly during late fall and winter. Cold air rushing in behind these fronts can trigger sudden snow showers, strong wind gusts, and sharp temperature drops. Roads that appear wet or merely slushy can freeze rapidly as temperatures fall.
The greatest risk comes from the abrupt transition. Motorists may be traveling under clear or lightly cloudy skies when they suddenly encounter blinding snow, blowing snow, and icy pavement. This rapid change has been linked to chain-reaction crashes on major corridors such as Interstates 80, 81, 84, 87, 90, and 95.
Because of the immediate danger, the National Weather Service may issue Snow Squall Warnings for parts of the East Coast. These warnings urge drivers to slow down immediately, turn on headlights, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking.
Snow squalls are most frequently reported in the interior Northeast, the Appalachian region, and downwind of the Great Lakes, but coastal and urban corridors are not immune—especially during strong winter cold fronts.
For East Coast commuters, students, and early-shift workers, snow squalls can significantly disrupt travel despite their short duration.
