National Weather Service Issues Warning for 'Extremely Dangerous' Snow Squalls in 10 States

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for several states as serious weather conditions are expected to hit parts of the United States on Friday and into the weekend, bringing potentially “dangerous” conditions.

As the storm approaches, the NWS has issued a more specific warning about the risks that a combination of heavy wind and snow could cause for drivers, warning of "near-zero visibility" caused by snow squalls.

Additionally, "sub-zero wind chills" could produce dangerous situations for travelers and those who find themselves without electricity.

What is a 'Snow Squall'?

A snow squall is a sudden, intense, and short burst of heavy snow and strong winds that typically accompany a cold front.

While the conditions generally only last a few minutes, they can create dangerous whiteout conditions, making it difficult or impossible for drivers to see in front of them.

The NWS describes snow squalls with four defining characteristics:

• Intense bursts of snow and wind.
• Short duration.
• Whiteout visibility.
• Rapidly deteriorating road conditions.

Those conditions, combined with slick roads from snow and ice that accompany winter storms, can quickly create treacherous and dangerous conditions for drivers, which could lead to massive, chain-reaction accidents and pileups, as was the case on I-90 in Indiana earlier this week.

A chain-reaction crash involving dozens of vehicles shut down eastbound lanes of I-90 near Elkhart, Indiana, after a major pileup left several people injured. pic.twitter.com/xp6TgXjTJx

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 15, 2026

“Snow squalls pose serious threats to personal safety and property and produce costly transportation disruptions due to multi-vehicle pileups,” the NWS warns. “There is no safe place on a highway when snow squalls are approaching.”

10 States Face Possible Snow Squall

The NWS issued an advisory on Friday morning about 10 states facing these potentially dangerous conditions this weekend.

"Snow squalls are likely to develop along and behind an arctic cold front across the northern and central Plains this morning before potentially pushing into the Midwest through this evening. Snow squalls are most likely behind the cold front in particularly strong winds over the west-central portions of the Dakotas and Nebraska into this afternoon," the NWS warned.

Updated Key Messages for Plains/Midwest Snow Squalls and Damaging Winds today. pic.twitter.com/QqXUuI1A7S

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 16, 2026

The advisory covers parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. The most severe risk area is in southern North Dakota, central South Dakota, and central Nebraska.

Dangerous Driving Conditions

Given the rapidness and severity of these conditions, the NWS has warned that these snow squalls could create "extremely dangerous" driving conditions with "near-zero" visibility at times.

"These snow squalls should have an extremely dangerous combination of heavy snow rates and damaging wind with near-zero visibility on the Plains. Over the Midwest, gusty winds and reduced visibility are a concern. Conditions can change rapidly in snow squalls, creating dangerous travel for motorists," the NWS warns.

In its general guidance on snow squalls, the NWS warns travelers to “avoid or delay” all motor travel until the squall passes.

“If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location. There truly is no safe place on the highway during a snow squall,” the NWS warns.

However, if you are caught in a snow squall in the midst of your travels, the NWS has some guidance to avoid potential collisions or crashes.

“If you are already in transit and cannot exit the road in time, reduce your speed, turn on your headlights and hazard lights and allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you,” the NWS warned. “It’s also best not to slam on your brakes. With slick/icy roads, this could contribute to the loss of vehicle control and also increase the risk of a chain reaction crash.”

Before you drive in any winter weather conditions, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for these conditions, including your snow tires, even if they appear to have plenty of tread. There are also several important items you should be sure to have in your road safety kit before you hit the road in winter weather conditions.

While it's always advised to delay travel if possible, Men’s Journal’s Automotive Writer Brian Iselin shared a thorough explainer on driving during periods of high wind and snowfall.

It's also worth noting that these extreme conditions will almost certainly impact air travel in these regions, as well. So if you are flying to, through, or from anywhere in this region, keep an eye on your flight information to ensure everything is still going as planned.

Damaging Winds, Bitter Cold

Even in areas that are not hit with snow squalls, the winter storm is expected to produce dangerous conditions, given the combination of snow, extremely high winds, and bitterly cold temperatures.

"Even outside of any snow squalls, strong winds are expected, with wind gusts above 70 mph forecast across the northern and central High Plains," the NWS warned. "These winds will result in hazardous travel, especially for high profile vehicles, and may create scattered power outages. Any power outages will be particularly dangerous as sub-zero wind chills arrive behind the cold front."

The NWS warns that extreme winter weather is especially dangerous for newborns, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and unhoused individuals.

“Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme cold, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature,” the NWS warns.

The NWS advises everyone in these areas to limit time outside, but to wear loose layers and cover all skin if they do have to venture outdoors. Additionally, the NWS advises to consume hot foods and warm drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.