What is a snow squall? Warnings issued across parts of US and Ontario as sudden winter hazards emerge–here’s what we know

Sneha Kumari | Jan 01, 2026, 19:02 IST

<br>X | @mwrickert87 and @HighwayWx | Drivers Caught Off Guard as Fast-Moving Snow Squall Reduces Visibility to Near Zero Across Sullivan County and Surrounding Areas

Image credit : X | @mwrickert87 and @HighwayWx | Drivers Caught Off Guard as Fast-Moving Snow Squall Reduces Visibility to Near Zero Across Sullivan County and Surrounding Areas

Snow squall warnings have been issued across parts of the U.S. and Ontario as sudden, intense bursts of snow create hazardous conditions. These short-lived storms can quickly reduce visibility, create whiteouts, and make roads slippery. Authorities urge drivers to stay alert, slow down, and avoid travel if possible.

In the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, drivers in Sullivan County, northeastern Pennsylvania, were caught off guard by a sudden snow squall warning. The short-lived but intense snowstorm brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, sharply reducing visibility and creating dangerous road conditions, prompting officials to advise extreme caution for anyone travelling in the area. Let’s find out what a snow squall is.

The snow squall continues to move south. Pittsburgh metro will see intensity decrease, but Morgantown is next up—expect impact in 30–45 mins! Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/sQ0HQbD3y3

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 1, 2026

Residents report whiteouts and gusty winds as snow squalls hit Pennsylvania

Social media users reported about the rapidly changing and intense conditions as a snow squall moved through the Susquehanna Valley and parts of Pennsylvania. Moreover, drivers experienced whiteout conditions, gusty winds and snow-covered roads, with quick accumulations of 1 to 3 inches of light, fluffy snow.

X | @ryanhanrahan | Sudden Snow Squall Hits Northeastern Pennsylvania, Bringing Whiteouts, Gusty Winds

Temperatures dropped into the 20s behind the storm, and residents described sudden low visibility and strong wind gusts, prompting warnings and widespread attention online.

540a: Snow squall pushing southeastward about to sweep across Route 50 from Annapolis to just west of Dc. Quick burst of snow and gusty winds will briefly reduce visibility but lasts just 15 mins or so. Share your reports. pic.twitter.com/gJiXoSeQJf

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) January 1, 2026

Snow squall brings sudden whiteouts to Northeastern PA

Early Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an updated snow squall warning for northeastern Pennsylvania, effective at 2:45 am. The fast-moving storm stretched from Damascus to Dunmore to Buckhorn, moving east at 40 mph, and impacted communities including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and Pittston.

Amid this, the officials have warned that driving could become hazardous within minutes, with visibility dropping to near zero in sudden whiteout conditions. This has urged motorists to slow down, use their headlights and remain alert.

Image credit : X | @NWSPittsburgh | Short-Lived but Intense Snow Squall Prompts Warnings as Roads Quickly Become Slippery and Visibility Drops

Moreover, the weather service also warned, “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”

But what is a snow squall, and how dangerous is it?

According to the Weather Channel, snow squalls are short-lived yet intense bursts of snow that can quickly reduce visibility and make roads slippery. While they usually produce only light snow accumulation due to their fast pace, the sudden drop in visibility can create near-whiteout conditions within minutes.

X | @ChasingOhio | National Weather Service Issues Urgent Snow Squall Warning After Fast-Moving Storm Threatens Northeastern PA Drivers

Image credit : X | @ChasingOhio | National Weather Service Issues Urgent Snow Squall Warning After Fast-Moving Storm Threatens Northeastern PA Drivers

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues snow squall warnings to alert the public, targeting specific areas for a brief period, much like a tornado warning. Unlike regular snowstorms, they strike suddenly, quickly covering roads with snow and ice even without a major storm forecast.

These events typically last 30 to 60 minutes and may not produce significant snowfall, but their real threat comes from sudden whiteouts, strong winds, and sharp temperature drops, making driving extremely dangerous with little warning.

GENERAL

Sneha Kumari