Driving Through a Thunderstorm VS a Snowstorm in Idaho

The weather in Idaho is often unpredictable and can change at a moment's notice. One day it can be sunny and clear skies, and minutes later a storm can roll in, bringing heavy winds, lightning, thunder, and heavy rain. Wait ten minutes, and it can be back to clear skies, with no signs that a storm ever occurred. Many often say that if you don't like the weather in Idaho, wait ten minutes and it will change. When at home, it isn't too bad, but when driving through the Gem State it can make driving conditions less than ideal. What type of storm is worse to drive through in Idaho? Is it worse to drive in a thunderstorm or a snowstorm?

Driving in a Thunderstorm in Idaho

To some, driving through a thunderstorm isn't bad. Rain isn't terrible to many, but for some, it makes it tough to see, and often the roads are most slick when it first starts to rain. When heavy storms come through, the water builds up on the roads making it common to hydroplane and lose control of the car. The wind can get so strong in Idaho that trailers and trucks will have a hard time staying on the road making it dangerous for those driving near them. It can make smaller vehicles struggle as well. When lightning is going off all around you, it can increase anxiety for some drivers and make them panic and tap their brakes, putting others around them at risk. For anyone who has driven through these types of storms, it is less than ideal and can be a scary moment. 

Driving in a Snowstorm in Idaho

While driving through a thunderstorm can be dangerous, is it worse than a snowstorm in the Gem State? Snowstorms can make it impossible to see more than a foot in front of your car, leaving the driver to go towards the unknown. You often can't see the lines on the road and if it is snowing hard enough, you can't see the side of the roads as well, essentially driving blind. The roads are slick and make it where a single turn could have you lose control of the vehicle. Having to stop because of a slow car in front of you is an experience, not knowing if you'll be able to get moving again. Unlike thunderstorms, most drivers are cautious and drive slow, whereas in a thunderstorm most drivers often continue to go the speed limit. This is one thing making a snowstorm not as bad, despite terrible conditions. 

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Most people will likely choose a snowstorm because the conditions are worse, but because drivers are typically more cautious, a thunderstorm could be more dangerous to navigate, because of the other drivers around you. Neither is ideal, and if possible, it is best to be off the road during both, but that isn't always an option. When it comes to driving in Idaho, which do you think is worse? Driving through a thunderstorm, or driving through a snowstorm?