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Some Wisconsin residents may have seen 'thundersnow' during Sunday's storm

Posted at 5:04 PM, Feb 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-10 18:04:07-05

WISCONSIN — Some Wisconsin residents may have seen a unique weather system on Sunday during the snow storm: a band of "thundersnow."

According to meteorologist Brian Niznanski, there was a particularly heavy band of snow across Jefferson, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties during the late afternoon on Sunday.

Under this snow band, reports showed very high snow rates.

"It is very possible this band of snow was somewhat convective in nature, meaning a rapid rise of relatively warmer air at the surface, due to much colder air forming aloft," said Niznanski.

This process can produce very heavy snow, but additionally, it can electrify the clouds and make lightning possible.

There was, in fact, an unconfirmed report of thundersnow in Milwaukee so if you saw something, you most likely are not losing your mind.

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