ALBANY, NY – Drivers across the Northeast are being urged to use extreme caution today as fast-moving snow squalls sweep through the region, creating dangerous whiteout conditions and slick roads from Pennsylvania to Maine.
According to the National Weather Service, an arctic cold front will move southeast through the Great Lakes and into New England through Thursday morning and afternoon, bringing brief but intense bursts of snow and strong winds. These squalls can cause visibility to drop to near zero within seconds, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions and sudden multi-vehicle crashes.
The highest risk areas include New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, with additional impacts possible in Pennsylvania and Maine, especially along major interstates such as I-90, I-81, I-87, and I-89. The storms typically last only 30–60 minutes but can create extremely hazardous travel during that time.
Forecasters emphasize that snow squalls differ from steady snow—they strike suddenly, often with little warning. Motorists caught in these bursts are advised to slow down immediately, turn on headlights, and avoid stopping on the roadway.
Wireless Emergency Alerts may be triggered in affected zones when squall warnings are issued. If possible, delay travel until conditions improve later in the day.
