Knowra Snow squall Snow squall A brief, intense burst of snowfall, often accompanied by strong winds and a sudden, severe reduction in visibility. It can create hazardous travel conditions with little warning.
Lake-effect snow : Snow produced when cold air passes over warmer lake water, gaining moisture and heat. Narrow lake-effect bands can intensify quickly and produce snow squalls downwind.
Whiteout : A condition in which snow and diffuse light erase visible contrast and the horizon. A squall can reduce visibility enough to create a whiteout on roads.
Nowcasting : Short-term weather forecasting based on frequent observations, often covering the next few hours. Nowcasting tracks rapidly developing squalls that may outpace routine forecasts.
Blizzard : A severe snowstorm with sustained strong winds, blowing snow, and prolonged low visibility. A blizzard is longer-lasting and defined by sustained conditions, unlike a brief squall.
Cold front : The leading edge of an advancing colder air mass that displaces warmer air. A fast-moving cold front can trigger a narrow line of intense snow showers.
Road weather : Weather conditions that affect road safety, traffic flow, and pavement state. Snow squalls create abrupt road-weather hazards despite their short duration.
Doppler weather radar : Radar that measures precipitation and its motion toward or away from the radar site. Radar reveals narrow snow bands and their movement toward affected locations.
Snowstorm : A storm that produces substantial snowfall over an area and a period of time. A snow squall is a short, intense episode rather than an extended snowstorm.
Snow band : An elongated area of enhanced snowfall within a larger winter storm. A narrow, intense snow band can produce the localized burst characteristic of a squall.
Black ice : A thin, often transparent layer of ice on a surface, especially a road. A squall can coat pavement with snow or ice before drivers can adjust.
Show all 22