Phones around New York City buzzed on Wednesday afternoon, warning that a snow squall was imminent and prompting many people to ask: “What is a snow squall?”
What is a Snow Squall
A snow squall is basically a short but ferocious burst of heavy snow and strong wind, usually lasting less than an hour or so, the NWS says. They normally occur during the daytime.
[adace-ad id=”884″]
After a snow squall moved through Manhattan in December 2019, for example, Central Park picked up 0.4 inches of snow in about 40 minutes.
Following the snow squall that moved through, Central Park picked up 0.4″ of snow. ❄️
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) December 18, 2019
New York City Hit By Snow Squall
—— Pedestrians observe a snow squall in Times Square in New York on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019.Frank Franklin II / AP
“Snow squalls are the winter equivalent of severe thunderstorms and are pretty common this time of year,” Prociv said. “They’re fast-moving. One second there can be sunshine; the next second there’s snow.”
EPIC! Time-lapse of the snow squall blasting into New York City. From the 27th floor in 30 Rock. #NYwx @alroker @NBCNews @TODAYshow @NBCNightlyNews pic.twitter.com/f86WdFFTBy
— Kathryn Prociv (@KathrynProciv) December 18, 2019
WHAT IS A SNOW SQUALL ARE WE GONNA DIE
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 18, 2019
Many people took to Twitter to joke about the weather, but actually snow squalls can be very dangerous because they affect visibility and can crop up suddenly. In New York City, people were warned 30 to 40 minutes before the squall occurred. But it’s not uncommon for the squalls to occur in seconds, with no warning time.
[adace-ad id=”884″]
The National Weather Service’s warning was in effect until 5:30 p.m. and was extended east over Long Island.
Just got my first ever snow squall alert. What an incredible time to be alive.
— Nicolle Wallace (@NicolleDWallace) December 18, 2019
Although the squall was only about 10 miles wide and was poised in 30 minutes or less to pass through either area, the weather service predicted it might leave up to one inch of snow. According to weather service, about four-tenths of an inch of snow fell as the squall passed through Central Park.
Following the snow squall that moved through, Central Park picked up 0.4″ of snow. ❄️
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) December 18, 2019
When New York City experienced its first snow squall warning last January, confusion emerged about the best practices during the weather event. Meteorologists suggest that you stay inside during a squall and avoid driving, because squalls can damage roads and cause crashes.
