Albany, NY — An Arctic cold front sweeping across eastern New York is expected to bring quick-hitting snow squalls and hazardous travel conditions today, prompting the National Weather Service in Albany to issue a warning for residents and commuters.
Rapid Snow Bursts Expected Across the Region
Forecasters report that an Arctic boundary will move through the region beginning late morning, producing scattered but intense snow squalls capable of drastically reducing visibility. According to the National Weather Service, “brief but intense bursts of snow combined with gusty winds” may create whiteout conditions within minutes.
These fast-moving squalls will begin in the Adirondacks and Mohawk Valley before pushing southeast into Albany, Pittsfield, and Poughkeepsie between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Even though the bursts will be short, meteorologists say they can have outsized impacts on roads and visibility.
Why These Squalls Are So Dangerous
Snow squalls differ sharply from steady snowfall. They are sudden, powerful, and capable of transforming driving conditions instantly. The NWS stresses that “dangerous travel can occur when squalls reduce visibility to near zero and roads turn slick quickly.”
The combination of cold Arctic air and a strong frontal passage will help generate these sharp bursts, each lasting just a few minutes but carrying the potential for accidents if drivers are unprepared.
Roadways at highest risk include:
- I-87 (Adirondack Northway)
- I-88
- I-90 (New York State Thruway)
Authorities say visibility can drop so fast during a squall that motorists may not have time to react, making multi-vehicle pileups more likely.
Travel Precautions from Weather Officials
Drivers are urged to use extreme caution if they must be on the road during the event. The NWS advises motorists to “slow down, turn on headlights, and avoid slamming brakes if caught in a squall.” Officials also recommend delaying travel until the front passes, especially for commuters navigating major interstates.
Safe-driving steps include:
- Maintain extra distance from other vehicles
- Avoid sudden lane changes
- Stay alert for icy patches forming beneath newly fallen snow
- Keep headlights on low beam to improve visibility
- Pull off the road to a safe location if whiteout conditions strike
Officials emphasize that stopping suddenly on a highway during a snow squall can increase the risk of chain-reaction crashes.
Temperatures to Drop Sharply After the Front
Once the snow squalls move through, temperatures will fall quickly behind the Arctic front. This sharp drop will freeze any moisture on roadways, causing icy conditions through the evening commute and into the night. Even light snowfall will be enough to create slippery surfaces as the cold air settles in.
Forecasters expect temperatures to remain below freezing through Friday, keeping untreated roads and sidewalks slick.
Conclusion
With an Arctic front sweeping across the region, today’s weather poses a serious threat to travel across eastern New York. Sudden snow squalls, whiteout visibility, and rapid road icing could make travel treacherous at any point between late morning and late afternoon. Residents are urged to stay alert, plan extra travel time, and follow National Weather Service updates.
Share Your Experience
Have snow squalls reached your area yet? How are road conditions near you? Share your update in the comments.
