Can a tornado develop during a snow storm?

Question

I read something when I was searching in Google that said that a tornadoes have been known to form in temps as low as 32 degrees. So could it be possible that one could form during a snow storm?

Answer 1

Excellent question. Yes it is definitely possible, but at the same time not very likely. Thunderstorms are frequently associated with snow storms, so that is not the problem. The problem is one of generating the necessary vorticity (circulation) due to wind shear through the lower atmosphere which generally form under conditions that do not favor snow. For this to happen we would need warmer and unstable air flowing from the south into the snow-thunderstorm region with drier and much colder air flowing from the west aloft. Together we find these conditions generate the vorticity which can then be drawn up into the thunderstom and voila we generate circulation throughout the storm and ultimately a tornado vortex will form. I'm sure it has happended. It's just an unusual set of circumstances that are required as I have attempted to outline here in a very simplified manner.

Answer 2

It is called Thundersnow and while I have only seen it a few times, it is not completely rare. Looks very cool though. I am sitting in central OH, enjoying junk food and a pile of cheese comedy videos.

Answer 3

It pretty uncommon, but definitely not unheard of! I have read about it happening in meteorology textbooks (it's a hobby of mine)

Answer 4

Yes.

Answer 5

I'd assume so.

There would have to be just the right conditions for it to happen.

That'd be kinda nifty looking though, wouldn't it? :*)

Answer 6

Its possible, but really rare