A rare form of thunderstorm that produces snow instead of rain, occurring when enough atmospheric instability exists within a cold air mass to generate lightning and thunder alongside a winter snowfall. Because falling snow muffles sound more than rain does, thunder from a thundersnow storm is typically audible only within two or three miles of the lightning strike. It is most often associated with lake-effect snow bands and strong winter cyclones.
Facts
PeriodicityThundersnow is rare: fewer than 1 percent of observed snowstorms produce it according to a 1971 study, and it is most common in eastern Nevada and Utah, the central plains, and the Great Lakes states, with about six thundersnow storms found each year in the lower Great Lakes. 2 ScaleThundersnow produces heavy snowfall rates in the range of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) per hour. 1 First DescribedRecorded observations of thundersnow date back to 250 BC in ancient Chinese records translated in 1980 by atmospheric scientist Pao-Kuan Wang. 2 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceIn thundersnow, the heavy snowfall muffles the sound of thunder so that it sounds more like a low rumble than the loud, sharp bang heard during an ordinary thunderstorm, and graupel or hail may fall alongside the snow. 1 Connections
Demonstrated By
Lake, Biomes Source National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sources
1. Thundersnow (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationOpening section
The heavy snowfall tends to muffle the sound of the thunder so that it sounds more like a low rumble than the loud, sharp bang that is heard during regular thunderstorms.
Hazards section
Thundersnow produces heavy snowfall rates in the range of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) per hour.
View the Source 2. Thunder, Lightning and Snow (Scientific American)
Scientific American, 2010Historical Observations passage
recorded observations of the phenomenon date back to 250 B.C., say ancient Chinese records translated in 1980
Frequency of Occurrence passage
fewer than 1 percent of observed snowstorms unleash thundersnow, according to a 1971 NSW study
View the Source National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationDemonstrated By: LakeView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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