snow squall: Snow squall warnings issued across parts of the U.S. and Ontario as sudden winter hazards emerge

Dangerous winter weather conditions developed across regions of the northeastern United States early Thursday, as several snow squall warnings were issued, catching numerous drivers off guard in the pre-dawn hours and heightening concerns about rapidly worsening road conditions.

What Is a Snow Squall Warning?

Several people hear the term snow squall and wonder how it varies from a traditional snowstorm. Snow squalls are short, intense bursts of winter weather, often linked with strong cold fronts. Unlike widespread snowstorms, they come suddenly and can make roads white and icy within minutes, even when no significant storm is predicted.
These events generally persist from 30 to 60 minutes and may not generate significant snowfall totals. However, their danger lies in rapid whiteout conditions, strong winds, and sudden drop of temperatures, which can make driving extremely hazardous with little caution.

Historically, snow squalls have resulted in serious highway pile-ups and fatalities. In contrast, a full snowstorm normally develops more slowly and extends for hours or even days, enabling drivers more time to adjust.

Snow squall warnings operate much like tornado or severe thunderstorm cautions— they are issued suddenly for certain locations to offer immediate notice. If one is issued for your region, safety authorities say the best choice is to delay travel until the squall passes.

Pennsylvania Drivers Caught Off Guard

A snow squall warning issued early Thursday morning for Sullivan County in northeastern Pennsylvania, startling motorists driving before sunrise. The National Weather Service published the updated alert at 2:45 a.m. on January 1, 2026, as a fast-moving and hazardous snow squall moved through the area.

Meteorologists reported that the squall extended along a line from Damascus to Dunmore to Buckhorn, navigating eastward at 40 mph, as per the report from Syracuse.com. The caution spanned a wide range of communities, that includes Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Dunmore, Kingston, Nanticoke, Plains, Old Forge, Bushkill, and Pittston.

The weather service warned motorists, citing, “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” cautioning people on the road to slow down, activate headlights, and stay alert as visibility could reduce to near zero almost rapidly during whiteout conditions.

The primary threats are unexpected heavy bursts of snow, gusty winds up to 35 mph that caused blowing snow, and a sudden loss of visibility that made driving extremely dangerous.

Additional Warnings Issued in New York

Snow squall warnings were also issued in New York early Thursday. At 5:28 a.m., the National Weather Service released an alert in effect until 6:30 a.m. for the Bronx as well as Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

According to the agency, “At 5:27 a.m., a snow squall was located near Mount Kisco, moving east at 30 mph,” followed by the warning that “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”

The weather service highlighted caution, citing, “Slow Down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this snow squall. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions.”

Earlier, at 3:11 a.m., another snow squall warning was issued for Berks and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania, and continued to be in effect until 4:15 a.m.

The weather service reported, “At 3:10 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near West Hazleton to near Tower City to Marysville, moving east at 40 mph,” again warning that “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”

Communities impacted are Allentown, Reading, Emmaus, Wyomissing, Kutztown, Hamburg, Fleetwood, Sinking Spring, Laureldale, Womelsdorf, Wernersville, Topton, Robesonia, Leesport, Shoemakersville, Bernville, Lyons, Strausstown, Lenhartsville, and Spring Ridge.

The NWS further mentioned, “Slow Down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this dangerous snow squall. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions.” Threats included intense snowfall, blowing snow, sharply reduced visibility, and wind gusts ranging up to 35 mph.

Ontario Braces for Extended Severe Winter Weather

Beyond the United States, central Ontario is also experiencing severe winter conditions expected to continue through Friday and into the weekend. Forecasts suggest that snowbelt regions and areas north of Barrie could receive an additional 20 to 50 centimeters of snow, with an especially intense squall prediction to stall over Collingwood, Barrie, Midland, and Orillia.

Some localized regions may encounter snowfall totals nearing 50 centimeters, making travel increasingly hazardous. Officials caution that ongoing snowfall and strong winds could result in continued road closures, mainly along Highway 400 and Highway 11.

Frigid temperatures are expected to worsen the situation further. Wind chills may drop into the -20s in southern Ontario, while northeastern areas could see values nearing -30°C through early New Year’s Day. Ottawa is anticipated to drop close to -25°C, while Timmins may face overnight lows nearing -30°C.

In response, the Township of Springwater has declared a major weather event, urging residents and motorists to avoid road travel unless absolutely required. Authorities say these alerts emphasize the seriousness of the situations and the need for precautionary steps to protect public safety.

Residents are urged to stay informed and plan carefully as severe conditions are expected to remain in the days ahead.

FAQs:

1. What is a snow squall warning?
   A snow squall warning alerts people to a brief but intense burst of snow and wind. It is issued when unexpected whiteout conditions and dangerous travel are expected.
2. How long do snow squalls usually last?
   Most snow squalls persist between 30 and 60 minutes. Despite their short duration, they can result in rapid and hazardous changes on roads.