Snow squall warning issued for parts of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey

An intense bout of heavy snow and strong winds, also known as a snow squall, is forecast to affect areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York on Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service warned. Snow squalls are considered by the weather agency to be "one of the most dangerous winter weather phenomena."

The warnings are in effect for portions of eastern Pennsylvania and New York, as well as northern New Jersey. Most of the warnings expire by 2:30 p.m. EST.

Heavy snow is expected to bring whiteout conditions with zero visibility. Wind gusts could top 40 mph in some areas. Travel conditions could range from hazardous to life-threatening, the NWS said.