Thundersnows are also found in mountainous regions where the forced upslope flow (strong dynamic lifting) of moist air produces thunderstorms at higher elevations. In many thunderstorms, precipitation begins as snow at high altitudes but melts in warmer air below. However, in the mountains the snow does not melt before reaching the mountain surface. At such elevations, the air temperature may be near or below freezing.
One of the most significant thundersnow events struck Buffalo, New York in late November 2000. The lake-effect storm dropped 78.7 cm (31 inches) of snow over the region in three days. Reports cited "frequent lightning" flashing during the early storm. A thundersnow storm in Louisville, Kentucky on 17 January 1994, dropped about 60 cm (2 ft) of snow.
Copyright 2004, Keith C. Heidorn, All Rights Reserved. (Illustrations, unless otherwise specified, ©Keith C. Heidorn, All Rights Reserved.)
