ORLANDO, Fl. – A strong storm system moving across the eastern U.S. will bring another arctic blast and 10 to 20 inches of snow to areas south and east of the Great Lakes.
This is the third time in two weeks that lake-effect snow will fall in parts of the U.S.
Strong winds could create near-whiteout conditions. Cold air locked up over Canada is expected to funnel over the very warm waters of the Great Lakes, boosting snowfall for areas along the eastern and southern shores beginning on Wednesday and potentially lasting through Friday.
Lake effect snow is an interesting phenomenon that only happens when the atmospheric conditions are just right.
First off, cold air from the land must move over warm lake waters.
The cold air heats up as it passes over the water, causing it to rise and carry moisture from the lake.
The moisture forms clouds, which then move over the colder land, leading to snowfall, often in localized bands.
This phenomenon can result in several feet of snow, creating dangerous conditions.