By Anna Schier, Patch Staff
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — Drivers, beware: Snow squalls are in the forecast this afternoon in New Jersey.
An Arctic cold front accompanied by an abrupt wind shift and increase in wind speeds as well as possible snow showers and squalls was expected to start around noon in the area of Trenton, Flemington, and Morristown before moving southeast toward Long Branch, Toms River and Atlantic City, authorities said.
The squalls were particularly likely north and west of the Interstate 95 corridor, according to the National Weather Service at Mount Holly. The front was expected to reach the coast between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
“If a Snow Squall Warning is issued for your area, delay travel,” the service said in a social media post. “If you’re driving, find a place to pull safely off of the road.”
The short but intense snowfall bursts can quickly reduce visibility and create whiteout conditions when accompanied by gusty winds, sometimes causing roads to become icy in minutes and leading to chain-reaction crashes.
“There is no safe place on a highway during a snow squall event,” according to a graphic posted by the weather service. “Consider an alternate route or delaying travel, reduce speed and turn on headlights.”
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