Fort Wayne, IN – The National Weather Service (NWS) Northern Indiana is reminding drivers how to stay safe if they’re caught in a snow squall, a sudden burst of snow that can turn roads treacherous in seconds. The agency emphasizes that these quick-moving events are more about personal safety actions than forecast timing.
According to the NWS, motorists should delay travel whenever a Snow Squall Warning is issued. If already on the road, drivers are urged to slow down, avoid hard braking, and turn on low-beam headlights and hazard lights. The agency advises pulling over safely and waiting for conditions to improve rather than trying to push through blinding snow.
Unlike longer-lasting snowstorms, snow squalls hit fast and hard—bringing whiteout conditions and icy pavement within minutes. The weather service notes that many serious winter crashes occur when drivers underestimate how quickly visibility can drop.
Officials stress that preparation is key. “If you can’t safely exit the road in time, visibility may go to zero within seconds,” the agency cautioned. “Stay calm, stay visible, and stay put until it’s safe.”
Residents across Northern Indiana are encouraged to review winter driving plans, keep emergency kits in vehicles, and follow updates from weather.gov for real-time safety alerts.
