VR Simulation to Demonstrate the Danger of Snow Squalls

Sep 16, 2024

3 min

Since 2017, Dr. Jase Bernhardt, Hofstra associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, has been using virtual reality technology to teach the public about the dangers of rip currents, hurricanes, and flash flooding. His most recent award, a $100,000 Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant from the National Safety Council, is enabling him to tackle another seasonal weather worry: driving in snow squalls.

The National Safety Council received funding for this grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Bernhardt’s project aims to share information about the onset of snow squalls, the importance of heeding emergency weather advisories, and what drivers should do if they are on the road when a snow squall occurs.

Although squalls are infrequent, they are extreme and frightening winter weather events that can result in a rapid onset of heavy snow, low visibility, icy roadways, and frigid temperatures.

“Snow squalls are a very specific type of weather phenomenon. They often occur on a clear, calm day, with no warning of precipitation,” Bernhardt said. “Seemingly out of nowhere, you’ll see clouds, followed by a quick burst of very heavy snow. For a short time, perhaps only 10, 15 minutes, there are whiteout conditions where drivers can barely see the road ahead of them.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation website, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement, and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet. More than 1,300 people are killed and nearly 117,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually.

Because winters in the New York metropolitan area have been mild for the last few years, Bernhardt worries that people have been lulled into a false sense of security about driving during winter storms or squalls.

“We’re not used to being in that kind of severe weather anymore,” he said. “Snow squalls can be deadly in terms of massive collisions and multi-vehicle chain collisions. The key thing to remember is that they come in rapidly, catching people by surprise.”

Bernhardt is collaborating on the software for the snow squall VR simulation with Frank Martin ’22, ’23, who earned both a BS and an MS in Computer Science from Hofstra University. Users will wear a headset and hold a device – like a video game controller – in each hand to replicate the movements of a steering wheel.

In this way, users will experience what it is like to drive from clear, pleasant conditions into a brutal wall of snow. Bernhardt said that if a warning for a snow squall is issued via emergency broadcast, he hopes people who have used the simulation will understand the urgency of getting off the road or pulling onto the shoulder and remaining in their vehicle.

“We want people to have an experience that is as close to reality as possible. The idea is to simulate how sudden and terrifying snow squalls can be and give people an opportunity to learn what they should and should not do if they are caught in one,” Bernhardt said.

In conjunction with the VR simulation, Bernhardt is developing a survey to determine people’s reactions to emergency messaging and how effective it is. He will work with the National Weather Service to have the simulation and surveys available by fall 2025 for use at training and outreach events throughout the Northeast.

Like Bernhardt’s rip current project, there are plans to have a version of the snow squall simulation and corresponding literature available in Spanish. Dr. Sasha Pesci, Hofstra assistant professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, is co-principal investigator on the grant and is helping with the translation of materials.

“More and more, the National Weather Service, state and federal governments, and other agencies recognize the importance of having this information available in other languages,” Bernhardt said. “There are a lot of drivers whose primary language is Spanish, and they include cab and Uber drivers, and truckers.”

Jase Bernhardt is available to speak with media about this topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Connect with:

Jase Bernhardt

Associate Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability

Dr. Bernhardt's current research is focused on using VR technology to teach about dangerous weather conditions.

Rip Tide safetyHurricanesClimatologyClimate ChangeWeather

Find Experts

Jul 20, 2026

1 min

Poor Air Quality Moves Summer Activities Indoors

Jase Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, was interviewed by WCBS-TV News about the poor air quality across parts of the United States, caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires. These conditions have prompted many summer camps to bring activities indoors. “Children are more vulnerable to low air quality because their lungs are still developing,” said Dr. Bernhardt. “They have to breathe in more air to replenish their body and kids are likely to be more active outside.”

Jul 20, 2026

2 min

A New Tick Is Moving In on Long Island — And Changing the Landscape for Lyme Disease

There's a new tick establishing itself across the region, and it's not the one most people are used to watching for. The Asian longhorned tick, first detected in the U.S. in 2017, has been steadily expanding its range along the East Coast — including into the backyards, parks, and preserves of Long Island. Unlike the blacklegged tick most associated with Lyme disease, this invasive species reproduces asexually, meaning a single tick can start an entire population, and it's showing up in numbers that are hard to ignore. Russell Burke, professor of biology at Hofstra University, has spent more than a decade studying the ecology of Lyme disease on a continental scale — including how tick host diversity affects disease risk across the eastern U.S. That work has now expanded to track a newer arrival: the Asian longhorned tick, and how its invasion and spread is reshaping the tick communities long dominated by the blacklegged tick, the primary vector of Lyme disease. What he can speak to: How the Asian longhorned tick got to the U.S., and why its ability to reproduce without mating makes it uniquely fast at colonizing new areas What the tick's expansion means for the local ecology of ticks on Long Island, and how it may be competing with or displacing established blacklegged tick populations Why the Asian longhorned tick is not currently considered a significant carrier of Lyme disease itself, but why its presence still raises concerns for public health and agriculture What residents, hikers, and pet owners should know about identifying and avoiding exposure to this new tick species The broader pattern of invasive species establishing themselves on Long Island, and what that signals about changing ecosystems Connect with: Russell Burke Professor of Biology Dr. Burke's current research involves diamondback terrapins at Jamaica Bay, wood turtles in northern NJ, ticks and Lyme disease, and the coyote invasion of Long Island. Key Topics: Ecology · Conservation Biology · Herpetology · Urban Ecosystems Reach Professor Burke through the Contact button on his profile below.

Jul 21, 2026

2 min

Why Kids Can’t Get Enough of Squishies

They are soft, colorful, collectible—and often difficult to find. “Squishies” have become the latest must-have product for children and teens, driven by social media videos, limited releases and the thrill of tracking down a rare design. But their popularity is about more than the toy itself. Ellen Harrison, a marketing expert and Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business, can explain why tactile products resonate so strongly with younger consumers. The physical experience of squeezing the toys can be calming and satisfying, while their playful designs and collectible nature give children another reason to keep buying, trading and sharing them. Social media adds fuel to the trend. Unboxing videos, influencer posts and online “squishy hunts” expose young consumers to new products and create a sense that they need to act quickly. When certain colors or designs become difficult to find, that scarcity can make them even more desirable. Harrison can also explore how retailers capitalize on fast-moving consumer fads and trends. Limited-edition releases, seasonal collections and carefully managed inventory can create excitement and encourage repeat store visits. Influencer marketing and in-store displays can then turn a simple product purchase into a larger experience. The challenge for brands is keeping consumers interested once the initial craze fades. Harrison can speak to how companies use new product drops, collectible lines and customer experiences to turn short-term excitement into longer-term brand loyalty. She is available to discuss: The appeal of tactile and collectible products Consumer fads and trends Youth consumer psychology Social media, peer influence and FOMO Emotional and impulse purchasing Product scarcity and limited releases Influencer marketing Retail experiences Turning viral trends into brand loyalty Ellen Harrison is available for media interviews about the consumer behaviors and retail strategies driving the squishies phenomenon and other fast-moving product trends.