What is Thundersnow? Rare weather anomaly recorded in Astoria
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A rare weather event known as 'thundersnow' was documented in Astoria on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service data, a bolt of lightning was recorded during a snowstorm at about 1:15 p.m.
'This is not often seen in this area, but how cool is that?' Portland's National Weather Service shared on social media.
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Thunder and lightning are typically associated with thunderstorms known as 'convective systems,' KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh said. However, similar storm conditions can occur inside a heavy snowstorm.
'The sound of thunder is produced by the rapid heating of air parcels surrounding a bolt of lightning,' Cozart said. 'On rare occasions, thundersnow can occur. That's where lightning is produced inside of a snow shower.'
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Thundersnow is less likely to occur than the average thunderstorm, and when it does occur, it's also harder to perceive.
'Thundersnow is rare because you have to be close to where the lightning originated,' Cozart said. 'Snow is a great sound absorber, so the sound of thunder can't travel as far as it would in a typical thunderstorm. That makes it difficult to hear far away from the source of lightning.'
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