Great Lakes – Snow squalls are brief but intense bursts of snowfall that can rapidly create dangerous travel conditions across the Great Lakes region.
According to the National Weather Service, a snow squall is a narrow, fast-moving band of heavy snow often accompanied by gusty winds, capable of dropping visibility to near zero within minutes. While most snow squalls last only 15 to 60 minutes, their sudden onset can pose serious risks to drivers.
In the Great Lakes region, snow squalls frequently form when strong cold fronts move across the lakes, allowing cold air to pass over relatively warmer lake waters. This setup can enhance snowfall rates and wind gusts, producing sudden whiteout conditions, especially downwind of Lakes Erie, Michigan, Ontario, Huron, and Superior.
One of the biggest dangers is flash freezing. Roads that were wet from earlier precipitation or melting snow can ice over quickly as temperatures drop behind the squall. Blowing snow can further reduce visibility on open stretches of highway, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle crashes.
Major travel corridors such as Interstates 75, 80, 90, 94, and 196 are particularly vulnerable, especially in lake-effect prone areas of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin.
Because of the immediate threat, the National Weather Service may issue Snow Squall Warnings for parts of the Great Lakes region. These warnings urge drivers to slow down immediately, turn on headlights, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking.
Snow squalls are most common from late fall through winter and can occur even when no major winter storm is expected.
For commuters, students, and commercial drivers around the Great Lakes, snow squalls can severely impact travel with little advance notice.
