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Sudden Snow Squalls Hit Chicago: Drivers Beware!
14 Jan
Summary
- Snow squalls cause sudden white-out conditions and icy roads.
- These events last less than an hour, unlike longer winter storms.
- Deadly traffic accidents have a long history associated with snow squalls.
Chicago weather took a sudden and severe turn recently, prompting a Snow Squall Warning from the National Weather Service. These intense, short-lived events are characterized by rapid white-out conditions and a swift drop in temperature.
Snow squalls are often associated with strong cold fronts and can cause roads to ice over within minutes. While they don't typically bring heavy accumulations and last less than an hour, the NWS highlights their history of causing deadly traffic accidents.
Drivers are strongly advised to delay travel during a Snow Squall Warning. If caught on the road, reduce speed, turn on headlights and hazard lights, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, as highways offer no safe refuge.
