Dangerous snow squalls brewing as arctic blast moves across the U.S.
A powerful cold front is making its way across the country with the possibility of several snow squalls developing along the way. Early Thursday, this front is beginning to move into the Northeast, and the fast-hitting bursts of snow could create extremely dangerous whiteout conditions and impact travel.
Snow squall threat(FOX Weather)
A large cold front is continuing its shift east, extending across the Great Lakes and into the Plains.
A strong area of high pressure is tailing that front and will quickly make its way into the middle of the U.S. As the cold front makes its way East, it will be accompanied by an arctic air mass containing some of the coldest temperatures this season, along with moisture, allowing the cold front to act as a trigger for snow showers.
Ahead of the system, it will be cold and calm, but as the system moves to the south, a sharp rise in winds will likely begin and temperatures will tumble.
Northeast interstate forecast(FOX Weather)
According to the FOX Weather Center, the threat of snow squalls ramps up on Thursday when the traveling cold front becomes a true artic front. Just enough moisture will accompany this system to allow snow to develop, with the peak expected to happen in the morning and afternoon hours.
Video shows snow squall rolling into Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A snow squall rolled into Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on Dec. 26, 2021, as hazardous winter weather swept the state?s northwest.
Throughout the day, whiteout conditions are possible along major U.S. Interstates, including I-90, I-81 and I-80, with some areas around the Great Lakes and in the Northeast forecast to see several inches of snow.
Winter Weather Alerts(FOX Weather)
With winds switching out of the west and northwest, cold air will move over Lake Erie and Ontario, which increases the risk of Lake-Effect Snow downwind. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for portions of Western New York, including Buffalo, Watertown and Syracuse, where 3-5 inches of snow is likely.