CT Weather: Snow Squalls Could Cause Problems For Motorists

CONNECTICUT — We didn't see much snow from Tuesday's ice storm but that could change briefly this afternoon in Connecticut. In a Special Weather Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook, the National Weather Service says motorists should be prepared for snow squalls.

Snow squalls are very brief periods of moderate to heavy snow that seemingly come out of nowhere and can drop a quick coating of snow on the ground. But most importantly it can cause problems for motorists as the snow will be blown around by increasing wind gusts. Wind gusts could reach in excess of 40 mph this afternoon.

For Southern Connecticut, the National Weather Service says, "A few snow squalls are possible this afternoon into tonight which could produce brief significant reductions in visibility, higher winds than forecast, and a quick coating of snow, making for potentially hazardous travel conditions."

For Northern Connecticut, the weather service says, Scattered snow squalls are possible this afternoon and evening which could briefly drop visibility to near zero with heavy snow and gusty winds."

Icy Conditions This Morning

Southern Connecticut

"Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until later this morning. Use extra caution if traveling and be prepared for slippery road conditions with patchy areas of black ice. Use extreme caution if you encounter icy roads.

Northern Connecticut

...AREAS OF BLACK ICE AND LIGHT SNOW WILL RESULT IN SOME SLIPPERY ROADS FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE...

Light snow in eastern MA will end around daybreak. While just a coating to one half inch is expected, below freezing temperatures will result in some icy spots on untreated roads. For the rest of the region, there will be areas of black ice this morning. Motorists should use caution this morning as any untreated roads will be slippery.

WTNH News 8 Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons says, "Please be very careful walking and driving again this morning! If your car has been outside through yesterday you are going to have to chip the ice off for about 30 minutes this morning. Sunny skies with falling chunks of ice off of trees today and temperatures in the 30s. I am expecting a cold front to come through with snow squalls this evening during the evening commute. Bitterly cold weather for tomorrow with the windchill around 0° for much of the day tomorrow! Other than a flurry Saturday night the weekend looks quiet."

Deep Freeze For CT

"A polar cold front approaches this afternoon and moves across early tonight. This will bring isolated to scattered snow shower activity. A few snow squalls will be possible. Very strong high pressure begins to build in from the west late tonight. Winds will increase and become quite gusty this afternoon into tonight with gusts mostly up to 40 mph. ... Dry weather returns late tonight and clouds will decrease, but a frigid cold airmass will be coming into place.

"Lows are in the teens late tonight with wind chills in the single digits to five below zero late tonight into early Thursday. Highs on Thursday, with strong high pressure and plenty of sun, only
reach the mid 20s to near 30 as northwest winds continue to bring in colder air. Lows Thursday night are in the lower teens to lower 20s with highs mostly in the lower 30s for Friday. Winds
will gradually decrease as the pressure gradient relaxes and the center of high pressure moves closer to the region."

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