Kansas City, MO – The National Weather Service is warning Heartland drivers across Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska to prepare for snow squalls this winter — brief but intense bursts of snow and wind that can create whiteout conditions and icy roads within minutes.
These squalls often occur as strong Arctic cold fronts move through the Plains, producing sudden, heavy snow showers, gusty winds up to 45 mph, and rapid temperature drops. Although snowfall totals are generally less than two inches, the quick flash freeze can make interstates like I-70, I-35, and I-80 extremely slick and dangerous.
What Drivers Should Know:
- Visibility can drop to near zero in a matter of seconds.
- Roads may ice over instantly, especially on bridges and overpasses.
- If a Snow Squall Warning is issued, delay travel or safely pull off the road until the burst passes.
- Reduce speed, use headlights, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes.
According to the NWS, Snow Squall Warnings are short-term, high-impact alerts, typically lasting 30–60 minutes and covering small but critical travel zones. These warnings are designed to prevent pileups and travel emergencies, which often occur when drivers are caught in rapidly changing visibility conditions.
Officials emphasize that snow squalls are not just “flurries”—they are intense, fast-moving hazards that can form suddenly along advancing cold fronts, even when the radar appears mostly clear.
Drivers are urged to stay weather-aware and check road and radar updates before traveling, especially during late fall and early winter when snow squalls are most frequent.
For real-time alerts and forecasts, visit weather.gov/eax, weather.gov/top, or weather.gov/oax for the latest information across Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
