00:00 From the mountain west to the Great Lakes and the Northeast.
00:04 There's actually been snow squall warnings issued in 36 states.
00:08 Snow squalls are one of the biggest dangers for drivers every winter.
00:12 Think of it as a very short-lived, intense blizzard almost.
00:16 It's not just the snow and low visibility, but also the threat of a flash freeze.
00:21 You get snow to fall on a warm pavement, it melts, and then we have a cold surge of air behind the snow squall,
00:27 and essentially it freezes over into a sheet of ice.
00:29 Oh, watch out, watch out!
00:31 A snow squall on Interstate 81 northwest of Philadelphia led to this 80-vehicle pileup and fire.
00:38 Six people did not survive, other drivers seen running for cover.
00:43 The absolute worst thing to do, we tell folks, is get outside of your car
00:47 and basically be a standing target for oncoming traffic.
00:50 Check the forecast before you buckle up, and avoid travel if snow squalls are possible.
00:55 [car door slams]
00:57 [car engine starts]
00:58 If you're caught out on the road in the middle of a snow squall, slow down without slamming on the brakes.
01:04 Turn on your headlights and hazards, and safely make it to an exit.
01:08 The only safe location is to exit the roadway and wait out the snow squall until it passes.
01:14 Everyone driving through snowy states should keep emergency supplies and winter gear in your trunk
01:20 in case you're involved in a crash or stuck in a traffic backup.
01:25 Blankets, an extra coat, gloves, hat, maybe a pair of boots.
01:30 For AccuWeather, I'm Bill Waddell.
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