Deadly snowstorm hits parts of New York state – Weather – Al Jazeera English.
Heavy snow has choked parts of New York state, stranding motorists in their cars, forcing people to remain indoors and leaving at least seven people dead.
The snow has been very localised: Buffalo Airport reported just 9cm of snow, whereas the suburb of Lancaster, just five kilometres away, reported a staggering 1.52 metres.
The snow that fell was what is known as “lake effect” snow. This is snow that is generated when a very cold blast of air moves over a relatively warm body of water.
The air can pick up vast amounts of moisture from the water, which is converted to snow and dumped downwind. It is therefore very dependent on the wind direction.
Lake effect snow is very common around the Great Lakes, because at this time of year, the lakes are relatively warm and provide a good source of moisture.
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