The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 2:18 a.m. on Sunday for a snow squall until 3 a.m. for Jefferson and West Douglas counties above 6,000 feet/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Northeast Park counties below 9,000 feet and Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet.
“At 2:18 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a snow squall along a line from 7 miles southeast of Kiowa to 6 miles south of Sedalia, or along a line from 36 miles west of Limon to 25 miles south of Denver, moving southeast at 30 mph,” comments the NWS.
Locations impacted by the alert include Castle Rock, Elbert, Elizabeth, Kiowa, Larkspur, Franktown, Greenland, Ponderosa Park, Perry Park, Castlewood Canyon, Fondis and Shamballa. Visibilities will drop quickly to less than a quarter of a mile in this snow squall. Interstate 25.
The NWS adds, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this snow squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads are likely to lead to accidents. Consider delaying travel until the squall passes your location.”
Snow squalls: Safety protocols and prevention tips
What are snow squalls?
Snow squalls are intense winter weather events often associated with strong cold fronts. They can quickly blanket roads with snow and ice, even without a major winter storm in the forecast. Typically lasting less than an hour and resulting in minor snow accumulation, these squalls can still be dangerous due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly dropping temperatures. Unfortunately, these conditions have historically contributed to serious and sometimes fatal traffic accidents.
Understanding snow squalls vs. snowstorms
The difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm is the duration of the event. Snow squalls are usually very short-lived (on the order of 30-60 minutes) and extremely intense. A snowstorm could last for several hours or even days.
Snow squall warnings
Snow squall warnings are short-fused and focused on distinct areas (like tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These warnings provide critical, highly localized life-saving information. If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location.
Actions during a snow squall warning
In response to a snow squall warning, individuals should follow the guidelines provided by the NWS, which encompass the following key actions:
Avoid or delay travel: If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location. There truly is no safe place on the highway during a snow squall.
Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you are already in transit and cannot exit the road in time, reduce your speed, turn on your headlights and hazard lights.
Maintain safe distance: Allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.
Avoid abrupt braking: In slippery and icy conditions, sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control. It’s safer to slow down gradually to minimize the risk of skidding or causing a chain reaction crash.
Winter weather safety tips: For tips on how to stay safe before, during and after a winter weather, visit the NWS Winter Weather Safety page.
Prepare your vehicle: Prior to traveling, take steps to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming all fluids are at appropriate levels. A properly cared-for vehicle is more prepared to tackle the obstacles of winter driving.
Emergency kit essentials: Always have a well-prepared emergency kit in your vehicle containing crucial supplies like blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Additionally, include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand for improved tire traction. These items can be invaluable should you encounter an unexpected breakdown or emergency while on the road.
In conclusion, when faced with a snow squall warning, prioritizing personal safety and adhering to the NWS recommendations can significantly mitigate risks. By understanding, preparing, and staying vigilant, individuals can navigate these winter hazards with greater confidence and security.
Source: The National Weather Service