Dangerous snow squalls brewing ahead of extreme arctic blast
Through Thursday, whiteout conditions are possible along Interstates 90, 81 and 80, with some areas around the Great Lakes and in the Northeast forecast to see up to 8 inches of snow.
Two-thirds of the country bracing for below-average temperatures set to bring snow squalls Northeast
An arctic blast will leave 220 million Americans feeling below-average temperatures, creating chances of dangerous snow squalls across the Northeast. Pennsylvania and New York are bracing the most, as Interstates 90, 81 and 80 are expected to have whiteout conditions. Watch FOX Weather for all your travel updates.
BUFFALO, NY - A powerful cold front is making its way across the country with the possibility of several snow squalls developing along the way. Starting on Wednesday, this front will begin to move from the Midwest toward the Northeast, and the fast-hitting bursts of snow could create extremely dangerous whiteout conditions and impact travel.
(FOX Weather)
Beginning Wednesday, an area of low pressure will be positioned over Hudson Bay with a much larger cold front extending back across the Upper Midwest into the High Plains.
![This image shows a life-threatening snow squall just west of Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.]()
Image 1 of 5This image shows a life-threatening snow squall just west of Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (@NWSWPC/X)
![Snow Squall moving through Milwaukee.]()
Image 2 of 5Snow Squall moving through Milwaukee. (FOX 6 Meteorologist)
![This image shows a snow squall in Amarillo, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.]()
Image 3 of 5This image shows a snow squall in Amarillo, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Diana Penn via Storyful)
![FILE - A semi-truck with hazard lights on navigates through the snow squall on I-81 on December 5, 2024 in Watertown, New York. This region in New York is experiencing the second snowstorm of the week and has been under a Winter Storm Warning for two days. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)]()
Image 4 of 5FILE - A semi-truck with hazard lights on navigates through the snow squall on I-81 on December 5, 2024 in Watertown, New York. This region in New York is experiencing the second snowstorm of the week and has been under a Winter Storm Warning for two days. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) ( )
![Near-whiteout conditions on Interstate 690 in Syracuse, New York, as a clipper system prompts Snow Squall Warnings.]()
Image 5 of 5Near-whiteout conditions on Interstate 690 in Syracuse, New York, as a clipper system prompts Snow Squall Warnings. ( )
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.
Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are forecast to see light snow on Wednesday, according to the FOX Weather Center, with a minimal snow squall threat. However, there is a possibility of strong wind gusts with light to moderate snow, which will make for dangerous driving on Interstates 94, 35 and 75.
(FOX Weather)
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.
Snow squall hits Wisconsin's Interstate 94 during Alberta Clipper storm
Time lapse video shows a snow squall hitting Interstate 94 in Warrens, Wisconsin Wednesday afternoon. (Video: Wisconsin DOT via National Weather Service)
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 afternoon hours.
Through Thursday, whiteout conditions are possible along Interstates 90, 81 and 80, with some areas around the Great Lakes and in the Northeast forecast to see up to 8 inches of snow.
WHAT ARE SNOW SQUALLS AND WHY ARE THEY SO DANGEROUS?
(FOX Weather)
Gusty winds and cold air will blow across the Great Lakes and increase the potential for snow squalls. Some cities along the Great Lakes, such as Cleveland, Ohio, Erie, Pa. and Buffalo could see winds ranging from 10-40 mph. Those high wind speeds are expected to be present further east in Burlington, Vt., Boston, and Portland, Maine through Thursday.