What is thundersnow in Buffalo?

Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon where snowfall occurs at the same time as lightning and thunder.

Where was thundersnow filmed?

Videos capturing thundersnow were filmed around Buffalo, New York, including in Marilla and along snow-covered roads.

How common is thundersnow?

Thundersnow is considered rare, but research suggests it occurs more frequently than previously thought, especially in certain regions like the Great Lakes.

Home / Weather / Rare Thundersnow Dazzles Buffalo Skies

Rare Thundersnow Dazzles Buffalo Skies

27 Jan

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Summary

Thundersnow, snowfall with lightning, was recently filmed in upstate New York.
Videos captured the rare phenomenon during a significant winter storm.
Researchers note thundersnow is more common than previously thought.

Videos filmed around Buffalo, New York, have captured thundersnow, a rare weather phenomenon occurring during a major storm. One video from Marilla, east of Buffalo, recorded lightning and thunder accompanying heavy snowfall on January 21. Another video shared on social media also depicted thundersnow in Buffalo.

Thundersnow is defined as snowfall occurring simultaneously with lightning. While less common than typical thunderstorms, lightning can form within snowstorms, especially where instability and moisture are present. This phenomenon is also observed downstream of the Great Lakes during lake-effect snowstorms.

Recent research suggests thundersnow is more common than historically believed, though still rare compared to lightning in regular thunderstorms. It frequently occurs in regions like the eastern Great Lakes and Japan due to specific atmospheric conditions.