General
lake-effect
What does lake-effect mean?
Describing the intense, localized snowfall produced when cold air passes over the relatively warm Great Lakes.
"We got two feet of lake-effect snow overnight."
Origin
Meteorological term central to Great Lakes winters.
Frequently asked questions
What is lake-effect snow?
Heavy, localized snowfall that forms when cold air moves across the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, picking up moisture and dumping it downwind.
Where do you get lake-effect snow?
On the downwind sides of the Great Lakes and other large lakes, in places like Michigan, Buffalo, and northern Ohio.
Why can it snow so much in one spot?
The bands are narrow and stationary, so one town can get feet of snow while another nearby stays clear.
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