Springfield, MA — Sudden snow squalls could rapidly create hazardous travel conditions across Western Massachusetts Thursday and Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, scattered snow squalls are expected to develop behind a strong cold front moving through the region on Thursday, with another round possible Friday. Western Massachusetts, including the Springfield area, is within the snow squall risk zone identified by forecasters.
The first round of snow squalls is expected to develop Thursday morning across Upstate New York before spreading east into Western Massachusetts. A second round is possible Friday afternoon as the system moves west to east across New England. While snow squalls are typically brief, they can be intense and disruptive.
Snow squalls can produce sudden bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds, and rapid drops in visibility to near zero. Road conditions can deteriorate within minutes, even on highways that were previously clear. The Weather Prediction Center warned that these rapid changes significantly increase the risk of crashes.
Travel impacts are most likely along major routes including I-90 (Mass Pike), I-91, and Route 20, as well as elevated and rural roadways across the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. Commuters, students, and young workers traveling during daytime hours may be especially vulnerable if squalls coincide with peak traffic periods.
The National Weather Service advises drivers who encounter a snow squall to slow down immediately, turn on headlights and hazard lights, and avoid sudden braking. If conditions become unsafe, motorists should safely exit the roadway when possible and wait for conditions to improve.
Residents and travelers in Western Massachusetts are urged to monitor local forecasts and real-time road conditions through Friday, as snow squalls can develop quickly and exact timing may change.
