Understanding the Hazards of Not Cleaning Snow Off a Car! (Credit: AMHQ - The Weather Channel)

Just how dangerous is it to drive with a snowy rooftop? @JenCarfagno explains. pic.twitter.com/tEVV5g4Lg5

— AMHQ (@AMHQ) January 22, 2019

DISCUSSION: During any given Winter-time season, there are millions of people who are seasonally impacted by substantially to severely cold weather and/or major snowstorms which can slow down or even halt ground and air travel networks across various parts of North America, Europe and beyond. Moreover, one of the more “annoying” parts of classic winter storms for many people living in these areas is the infamous process of “post-storm cleanup.” Despite the natural power and beauty contained within the most classic snowstorms in recorded history, there are still major threats which exist well after the snowstorm has released its final snowflakes to the surface of the Earth. Some commonplace examples include (but are certainly not limited to) weighted and/or downed trees and power lines, black ice create dangerous (or even life-threatening) road and airport conditions for prolonged periods well after the conclusion of any snowstorm, bone-chilling conditions which can bring about frostbite and/or hypothermia if anyone is not sufficiently well protected from the outside weather elements.
 
However, one such natural hazard which most people do not usually think of (or take into legitimate consideration) right away is the natural danger involved with having large amounts of snowfall left on the tops of automobiles of any size. The primary reason for why this is such a dangerous issue to contend with is the fact that when snowfall is left atop automobiles, it will often compact as the pressure of the accumulated snowfall presses down upon itself and effectively forms a solid “snow slab.” This is especially dangerous (and even life-threatening under the right circumstances) since (as shown in the Tweet embedded above courtesy of the AMHQ at The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Georgia), solid snow slabs atop automobiles of any size can easily become airborne projectiles when an automobile accelerates to greater speeds on local or state-wide highways. When this happens, it can quickly threaten the safety and well-being of all passengers traveling in vehicles of any kind which are following the vehicle with the snow left atop of it.
 
Therefore, as explained in the brief video clip (by Meteorologist Jen Carfagno of The Weather Channel) attached above, there is no debate that it is ALWAYS imperative to clean all the accumulated snow and ice of your car. This way, you can be more certain that your driving will not endanger the lives of others around or behind you on the open road.
 
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 © 2019 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz