Weather Wise: Lafe Effect Snow

Tyler Ryan explains Lake Effect Snow and how it can create a dangerous situation

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) – Over the last few days, there has been a lot of talk about Lake Effect Snow, as winter is coming early to communities in the north, surrounding the Great Lakes.  So the question is, “What is it?”

Lake Effect Snow happens with you have large warm(ish) bodies of water that are above freezing, and a land mass that is below.  Numbers also matter, as another component is a temperature difference of at least 13 degrees.  With the right temperature mix, you add a blast of cold Canadian air flowing over the water.

As moisture from the warm water rises, it begins to mix with the cold air aloft, and is transported downwind over the frozen land.  As the moisture falls, and freezes, it comes down as snow.

Interestingly, lake effect snow often falls in thin bands of snow, so it can be snowing hard along a band, and yet be sunny not too far from where the snow is flying.

You generally find lake effect snow in the states around the Great Lakes, however, if the conditions are right, you can also find it along the coastal areas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tyler Ryan is an award winning television and radio personality, weather forecaster, writer, investigative journalist, and professional emcee.  He appears daily on ABC Columbia’s Good Morning Columbia, as well as hosting the syndicated radio program Carolina Cares on the South Carolina Radio Network, and the iHeart Radio Network.  Tyler also regularly appears as a criminal expert and journalist on regional and national crime based programs like Snapped and Killer Couples.  You can contact him directly via EMAIL Or on the socials: Tyler’s Instagram  // Tyler’s Facebook