Update: Blizzard Warning issued for Cambria and Clearfield Counties Friday afternoon

On Friday at 3:57 pm, the National Weather Service issued an updated blizzard warning in effect until 4:45 pm for Cambria and Clearfield counties.

“At 3:56 p.m., a dangerous snow storm was located along a line extending from Penfield to near Northern Cambria and near Blairsville, moving east at 45 mph,” the weather service states. “For those driving on Interstate 80, this includes areas between the Dubois and Snow Shoe exits, specifically from mile markers 99 to 136.”

Locations affected by the warning include Johnstown, DuBois, Clearfield, Westmont, Ebensburg, Belmont, Nanty-Glo, Portage, Sandy, Northern Cambria, Woodland and Curwensville.

“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous in a matter of minutes,” explains the weather service. “Slow down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this dangerous snow storm. Be alert for sudden blackout conditions. Slow down and turn on your headlights! During snow flurries, “Visibility can suddenly drop to almost zero in blackout conditions.”

Hazards include intense flurries of heavy snow. Gusty winds that will cause blowing snow and a rapid decrease in visibility. Wind gusts up to 20 mph.

The guide to snow storms: preparation and caution on winter roads

What are snow flurries?

Snow flurries are brief but intense winter weather events, often linked to strong cold fronts. They can cause sudden blackout conditions and icy roads within minutes, even if there is no major winter storm. While they typically last less than an hour and may only cause minor snow accumulation, they pose significant risks to drivers due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly falling temperatures. Historically, these conditions have caused fatal traffic accidents.

What is the difference between a blizzard and a blizzard?

The difference between a blizzard and a blizzard is the duration of the event. Snow flurries are usually of very short duration (on the order of 30 to 60 minutes) and extremely intense. A snowstorm could last several hours or even days.

Snow storm warnings

Snow flurries warnings are issued quickly for specific areas, as are tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They provide crucial, localized information aimed at saving lives. If a snowstorm warning is issued in your area, it is best to postpone or avoid driving until the storm passes.

Actions to take

In response to a blizzard warning, people should follow guidelines provided by the weather service, which cover the following key actions:

Avoid or delay travel: If a blizzard warning is issued in your area, it is recommended to postpone or refrain from driving until the storm has passed through your area. Highways and roads are particularly dangerous during snow storms.

Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you are already in traffic and cannot get off the road in time, reduce speed, turn on your headlights and hazard lights.

Keep a safe distance: Make sure there is enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This precaution is essential to account for reduced visibility and the potential unpredictability of road conditions during a storm.

Avoid sudden braking: It is also best not to brake suddenly. On slippery or icy roads, this could contribute to loss of vehicle control and also increase the risk of a pile-up.

Winter Weather Safety Tips: For tips on how to stay safe before, during and after winter weather, visit the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page.

Prepare your vehicle: Before traveling, take steps to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming that all fluids are at proper levels. A well-maintained vehicle is better prepared to face the obstacles of winter driving.

Essential items for your car emergency kit: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a complete emergency kit, including essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a cell phone car charger, a map, and sand or cat litter to improve tire traction. These supplies can prove invaluable in the event of an unforeseen breakdown or emergency during your trip.

In conclusion, when faced with a blizzard warning, prioritizing personal safety and following the recommendations of the meteorological service can significantly mitigate the risks. By understanding, preparing and staying alert, people can face these winter dangers with greater confidence and security.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to collect the latest data from the National Weather Service.