Weather
Vermont Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Snow Squalls Strike Fast
Montpelier, VT – Vermont drivers could face dangerous highway conditions when fast moving snow squalls sweep across the state, creating sudden whiteouts and slippery pavement within minutes. As winter
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-28T09:37:25.493Z
Montpelier, VT – Vermont drivers could face dangerous highway conditions when fast moving snow squalls sweep across the state, creating sudden whiteouts and slippery pavement within minutes. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Wednesday, Oct. 28, motorists are being reminded that even brief bursts of heavy snow can turn routine travel into a serious safety threat.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , snow squalls are intense, short lived bursts of snow accompanied by gusty winds and rapidly deteriorating visibility. These conditions can quickly cover roads, increase stopping distances and contribute to multivehicle crashes.
How Snow Squalls Threaten Vermont Highways Unlike major winter storms that develop over several hours, snow squalls can arrive with little warning and produce near zero visibility.
Interstate 89, Interstate 91, U.S. Route 7 and U.S. Route 2 are among the major travel corridors where sudden snowfall could create hazardous driving conditions.
Drivers traveling through Chittenden, Washington, Rutland, Windsor and Caledonia counties may encounter additional challenges on elevated roads, mountain passes and exposed stretches of highway.
Vermont's Green Mountains can also contribute to rapidly changing winter weather conditions, particularly as colder air moves across the region.
What Is a Snow Squall Warning? The NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings when dangerous snow squalls are occurring or expected to develop shortly.
These warnings generally last 30 to 60 minutes and may activate Wireless Emergency Alerts on compatible mobile phones.
A warning signals an immediate threat to motorists, particularly those traveling at highway speeds.
What Vermont Drivers Should Do When a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the safest option is to delay travel until conditions improve.
Motorists already on the road should:
Reduce speed gradually and increase following distance. Turn on headlights to improve visibility. Avoid sudden braking or abrupt lane changes. Exit the highway safely before entering severe conditions when possible. Never stop in an active travel lane during a whiteout. Residents can monitor changing forecasts and official warnings through the NWS Burlington office and NWS Albany office , which serve different portions of Vermont.
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, Oct. 31, emphasizing how quickly snow squalls can transform Vermont highways into dangerous whiteout conditions.