What is a snow squall? Winter blast could bring up to 3 inches to parts of Detroit area.

(CBS DETROIT)For the middle of the week, a swiftly moving low-pressure system is predicted to bring chilly air, high winds, and possibly snow accumulation. The weather team at CBS Detroit is presently monitoring a potential snow squall.

An intense period of moderate to heavy snowfall, typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes, combined with high winds that cause snow to blow, impair visibility, and create whiteout conditions, is known as a snow squall.

Cold fronts like the one passing through Wednesday night are frequently linked to snow squalls.

In a matter of minutes, ice roadways may result from the abrupt whiteout conditions and dropping temperatures. Squalls may only create small accumulations or an inch or two in a brief period of time and can happen in areas where a large-scale winter storm is not yet underway.

Similar to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings, snow squall alerts are short-fused and targeted at specific locations. Make sure you have a mechanism to obtain up-to-date information if snow squalls are predicted.

How to stay safe on the road in a snow squall

Avoid or postpone driving if your location is under a snow squall warning. During a snowstorm, there is absolutely nowhere safe to drive on the roadway.

Reduce your speed, turn on your headlights and warning lights, and give yourself plenty of space between you and the automobile in front of you if you are currently in traffic and unable to get off the road.

Avoid using the brakes too quickly. In addition to increasing the chance of a chain reaction collision, slick and icy roads and decreased visibility may cause you to lose control of your car.

Growing up in Mt. Morris, Michigan, Stacey was captivated by weather after witnessing a storm tear down a tree in her backyard.

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