Lake-Effect Snow: When the Great Lakes Turn Stormy
• Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over the warmer Great Lakes, leading to heavy, localized snowfall.
• Areas downwind of the Great Lakes, like Buffalo and Erie, are prone to intense lake-effect snowstorms.
• Forecasting lake-effect snow is challenging but crucial for communities to prepare for heavy snowfall and potential disruptions.
Lake-effect snow impacts Great Lakes communities
Lake-effect snow is a fascinating and impactful weather phenomenon that significantly affects communities surrounding the Great Lakes. This localized form of snowfall occurs when cold, Arctic air masses move across the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air passes over the lakes, it picks up moisture through evaporation. This moisture-laden air then moves downwind, where it cools and condenses, resulting in intense, localized snowfall.
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