Reno, NV – The National Weather Service in Sacramento and Reno is warning Northern California drivers, especially those traveling across the Sierra Nevada, Mount Shasta, and Lassen regions, to be prepared for snow squalls — brief but intense bursts of snow and wind that can rapidly reduce visibility and ice over roads.
These events differ from typical snow showers, striking suddenly and lasting 30 to 60 minutes, often during Arctic cold front passages or post-storm cold air outbreaks. While total snow accumulation is usually less than two inches, the combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and a quick temperature drop can cause flash freezes and whiteout conditions, particularly on I-80 over Donner Pass, U.S. 395, and Highway 89 near Mount Shasta.
What Drivers Should Know:
- Visibility can fall to near zero within seconds.
- Roads can become icy almost instantly, especially on mountain passes.
- If a Snow Squall Warning is issued, delay travel or find a safe place to stop until it passes.
- Slow down, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes.
According to the NWS, Snow Squall Warnings are short-duration, high-impact alerts, designed to warn motorists about localized but dangerous winter conditions. These warnings often accompany fast-moving cold fronts that bring brief yet severe snow bands.
Forecasters note that snow squalls are especially hazardous for truckers and mountain travelers, where steep grades and limited visibility can turn routine drives into emergency situations.
Motorists should check Caltrans road conditions and weather.gov/sacramento or weather.gov/reno for real-time Snow Squall Warnings and mountain travel advisories.
