A hard snow is called a snow squall.
A snow squall is a localized, intense period of snowfall, typically lasting for a short duration but capable of significantly reducing visibility and often accompanied by strong winds. It's characterized by its sudden onset and rapid accumulation, creating hazardous driving conditions and impacting outdoor activities.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a snow squall:
- Intensity: Snow squalls involve heavy snowfall rates.
- Duration: They are typically short-lived, lasting from minutes to hours.
- Visibility: Visibility is drastically reduced, often to near-zero, due to the heavy snow.
- Wind: Strong, gusty winds are often associated with snow squalls, contributing to blizzard-like conditions.
- Sudden Onset: Snow squalls appear quickly and without much warning.
Impacts of Snow Squalls:
- Driving Hazards: The sudden reduction in visibility and accumulation of snow on roadways create extremely dangerous driving conditions, leading to accidents and traffic delays.
- Outdoor Activities: Snow squalls can disrupt outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and other recreational pursuits.
- Aviation: Reduced visibility can affect flight operations, leading to delays and cancellations.
It's important to distinguish a snow squall from a regular snowstorm. While both involve snowfall, snow squalls are more intense, localized, and shorter in duration. Regular snowstorms can last for several hours or even days.
