Travel alert: Snow squall warning issued in Centre County Friday afternoon
Centre County is under a snow squall warning until 5:30 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service in State College.
A snow squall is an intense but short-lived burst of heavy snowfall, according to NWS; it can create extremely poor visibility and is often accompanied by gusty winds. Motorists should expect hazardous road conditions.
“Slow down or delay travel! Be ready for a sudden drop to near zero visibility and ice roads in heavy snow,” the NWS emergency alert states.
The NWS warning is in effect for Centre County and locations impacted include State College, Bellefonte, Park Forest Village, Philipsburg, Woodland, Stormstown, Lemont, Houserville and Pine Grove Mills.
The alert notes that for those driving on Interstate 80, this includes areas between the Penfield and Bellefonte exits, specifically from mile markers 115 to 160. For Interstate 99, it includes areas between mile markers 56 and 78, and near mile marker 85.
“Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location. If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slick road conditions may lead to accidents,” the alert states.
Wet roadways will quickly freeze and black ice will cause roads, bridges and overpasses to become slick and dangerous, it said. Drivers should slow down and be prepared for a sudden loss of traction.
Serious injuries and deaths may result from people exiting their vehicles during a snow squall, the NSW said.
“Drivers may not be able to see you or stop. If you have been involved in an accident or pulled to the side of the roadway, quickly exit your vehicle and move as far away from the roadway as possible only when it is safe to do so. Do not stand along or near the roadway, since approaching vehicles may be unable to maintain control.
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 3:28 PM.
