New This Winter, Snow Squall Warnings Issued By The Weather Service
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - The National Weather Service in Cheyenne issued several snow squall warnings late Saturday night for parts of southeast Wyoming and southwest Nebraska.
It's a new product introduced this year to help drivers stay alert of short-term, but potentially dangerous, winter weather.
The concept is similar to a severe thunderstorm warning or a flash flood warning issued during the spring and summer.
It's a new product this winter that a few NWS offices are testing out. Main goal is to alert motorist to hazardous driving conditions. Criteria includes 30 mph winds, near zero visibility/whiteout conditions, and moderate to heavy snowfall over a relatively short period of time.
— NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) November 25, 2018
A snow squall warning can be issued when a band of moderate to heavy snow is accompanied by wind speeds reaching 30 mph or greater creating near whiteout conditions for drivers.
A snow squall warning is in effect until 11:15 PM MST for I-80 in Nebraska, US-30 in Nebraska. pic.twitter.com/XfKX9Oc8T5
— NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) November 25, 2018
Meteorologist Chris Spears travels weekly in the CBS4 Mobile Weather Lab reporting about Colorado's weather and climate. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.