Nashville, TN – The National Weather Service is urging Tennessee Valley drivers across Tennessee, northern Alabama, and northern Mississippi to be prepared for snow squalls this winter — brief but intense bursts of snow and wind that can create whiteout conditions and icy roads within minutes.
Although snow squalls typically produce less than two inches of snow, they often arrive suddenly with strong wind gusts and a rapid drop in visibility, leading to dangerous driving conditions. The combination of blowing snow and a quick freeze on pavement can cause slick roads and multi-vehicle crashes, especially along I-24, I-40, and I-65.
What Drivers Should Know:
- Visibility can fall to near zero almost instantly.
- Roads may flash-freeze, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
- If a Snow Squall Warning is issued, delay travel or safely exit highways until it passes.
- Reduce speed, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes.
The Snow Squall Warning — issued by the National Weather Service — is a short-duration alert designed to warn motorists of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. These warnings often last 30 to 60 minutes and are issued for localized but high-impact events.
Officials emphasize that even a small burst of snow can have major travel impacts, especially during the first few minutes of accumulation.
Drivers are urged to stay weather-aware and monitor real-time alerts from the NWS offices in Nashville, Huntsville, and Memphis throughout the winter season.
