Lake-Effect Snow – Mother Nature’s Curveball

Posted November 19, 2014 by T A

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air blows over a lake of warmer water, drawing water vapor and creating a rapid build up of clouds that dump snow on the awaiting shores.

The intensity and amount of snow largely depends on the wind direction, duration, and degree of difference between the air and water temperatures.

Bay-effect snow is similar to lake-effect snow, but forms over a bay. The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia will occasionally form bay-effect snow.