Forecasters Warning of Sudden Snow Squalls for the East

While the snow from the midweek weather event is finally making its way out of the mid-Atlantic on Thursday, one more quick round of snow showers and squalls will create hazardous road conditions in other parts of the eastern U.S. through the end of the day. Here is what you need to know if you are planning to travel on Thursday and Friday.

Dangerous Snow Squalls a Possibility for the Eastern U.S. into Friday

The storm that impacted the mid-Atlantic during the middle of the week is now out at sea. However, a trailing storm coming in from the Midwest will create a new set of concerns on Thursday. This line of snow will push from the Midwest and across the Appalachians before reaching the coastal areas from Massachusetts and down into North Carolina. This system will produce flurries and locally heavy snow squalls that will seemingly come out of nowhere at times. The greatest risks to motorists will be in areas where snow did not fall earlier in the week. This is because the roads in these areas have not been treated.

Ironically, the presence of some sunshine in areas to the east of the Appalachians will amplify the snow bands. Meteorologists compare this effect to how the sun can fuel the development of thunderstorms during the warmer months. The silver lining is that the late February sunshine is strong enough to work to mitigate the accumulation of snow on rods that have already been treated.

However, some of these benefits will fade away as the sun begins to set on Thursday. Forecasters are also warning that the snow could come in bursts that are heavy enough to bring a rapid drop in visibility, creating near blizzard-like conditions on the roads.

Some of the more potent snow squalls will be capable of generating up to a few inches of snow in a short period of time. These quick-hitting and unpredictable squalls are known for their ability to create dangerous conditions on the roads in an instant.

The snow showers are forecast to linger into the evening hours on Thursday in the eastern U.S. This will mean that road conditions will likely deteriorate after the sun goes down and the mercury slips. The unseasonably cold temperatures spreading across the central and eastern U.S. will not be of any help in this department.

Air travel is also likely to be impacted by the sudden onset of flurries and snow showers. The chill in the air will necessitate that airports undergo deicing operations, leading to widespread airline delays.

Looking ahead to Friday, most of the eastern U.S. should be in clear from the threat of wintry precipitation. Temperatures will also be on the upswing as the Arctic air finally releases its grip across much of the U.S. heading into the weekend.

The exception to this clearer weather pattern will be across the Great Lakes where lake-effect snow will continue to be a threat in the days ahead. Despite the widespread ice coverage on these lakes, there are still enough areas free of ice to support the development of heavy bands of lake-effect snow. Additionally, some of the higher terrains of the central Appalachians may see lingering snow showers.

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