Dangerous snow squalls to hit Pennsylvania on busy travel day before Thanksgiving

Snow squalls are expected in parts of Pennsylvania on the day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year.

The squalls are expected north and west of central Pennsylvania, but a snow shower cannot be ruled out later in the afternoon or early evening for the area, said Jake Sojda, a meteorologist with AccuWeather.com.

For those who are traveling, watch for snow squalls on major routes, such as Interstate 80 statewide, Interstate 81 in the Scranton area and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the western part of the state, he said.

Drivers are advised to avoid these snow squalls, if possible, by checking the forecast and waiting to travel rather than trying to drive through it. Snow squalls often lead to whiteout conditions and slippery road conditions.

"The best thing is to not be out in it, if you can avoid it," said Craig Evanego, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "...It's very dangerous."

For those who are traveling, the weather service will be issuing snow squall alerts — similar to severe thunderstorm warnings — to cell phones, he said. This will be the first full season for the new warning.

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A snow squall on Interstate 83 nearly two years ago resulted in a 50-vehicle pileup. One person died in the crash.

For those who get caught in a snow squall, the advice is to slow down and leave plenty of distance between vehicles, according to a news release from the state. Drivers should not stop on the highway. They should only stop when they can pull far off the road safely.

The bands are coming through with an Arctic front, which is expected to usher in cold air for Thanksgiving, Evanego said. They are expected to come through during the afternoon and evening.

Drivers can monitor conditions through www.511PA.com and the message boards along the highways.

The National Weather Service will be issuing any snow squall warnings to phones as well.

Drivers also are reminded to have a basic kit in their vehicles. It should include non-perishable food, water, blankets, a small shovel and warm clothes.