New York Heavily Hit By Snow Squall: What's a Snow Squall Anyways?

New Yorkers woke up to a scene straight out of the movie "The Mist" on Wednesday because the city was covered by a snow squall. But everyone had one question on their minds; What's a snow squall anyways?

Many New Yorkers were caught off-guard Wednesday as a snow squall moved in quickly, covering the city in a sudden cloud and dusting of snow https://t.co/JZzFxZ1oO0 pic.twitter.com/NUYJs3EuM8

— CNN (@CNN) December 19, 2019

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According to the National Weather Service, a snow squall is an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities and is often accompanied by gusty winds. 

Following the snow squall that moved through, Central Park picked up 0.4" of snow. ❄️

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) December 18, 2019

This was a pretty shocking view to wake up to, so people didn't miss the chance to share photos and videos of this moment.

Wow! Check out this time lapse of the #SnowSquall moving over Manhattan. Crazy cool view from the top of One World Trade Center. pic.twitter.com/K7kxjcA0Zt

— David Jones (@DavidJonesTV) December 18, 2019

Seems like this unbelievable weather event surprised people a lot.

The snow squall arrives and the Empire State Building vanishes into the clouds. pic.twitter.com/MSUTkhYP4U

— NYC EMS Watch (@NYCEMSwatch) December 18, 2019

The timelapse videos from the event show the process clearly.

snow squall moving into Peekskill, NY ❄️ pic.twitter.com/6ydA9CqC4b

— Erik Creighton (@stormchaserik) December 18, 2019

However, it clearly made the Time Square look like it's a scene from Blade Runner 2049. 

Times Square Snow Squall pic.twitter.com/y9fvX2EVOf

— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) December 18, 2019