Boston, MA – The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a Snow Squall Warning for Essex County and northeastern Middlesex County in Massachusetts, in effect until 5:30 PM EST Thursday.
At 4:45 PM, radar and webcam observations detected a dangerous snow squall line stretching from Rye, NH to near Milford, MA, moving southeast at 45 mph. The squall is producing brief but intense bursts of heavy snow with gusty winds over 35 mph, leading to blowing snow and near-zero visibility in some areas.
Impacted locations include Lowell, Lynn, Lawrence, Haverhill, Peabody, Salem, Andover, Gloucester, and Wilmington. Major travel corridors such as Interstate 93 from the New Hampshire border to Wilmington and I-95 from Lynnfield northward are expected to experience sudden whiteout conditions.
Forecasters warn that travel could become dangerous within minutes as visibility drops rapidly and road surfaces turn slick. Drivers are strongly urged to delay or avoid travel until the squall passes. If on the highway, the NWS advises exiting at the nearest rest area or safe location rather than stopping in traffic lanes.
Snow squalls are brief but hazardous—conditions can deteriorate in seconds. Motorists caught in one should slow down immediately, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes.
