I was an Iowa kid, so I know more about blizzards than lake effect snow, but this was a fascinating read; certainly there were plenty of similarities to note. I learned a good bit, too. I didn't know about the 'settling' effect, for example.
Your explanation of the importance of the gradients -- where one location gets feet of snow while others get only inches -- did bring to mind one central Iowa blizzard c. 1955. The drifts were enormous in some places. We were at my grandparents' house, where the snow piled up to mid-roof on the east and south sides, blocking the only doors. On the north side, the ground was utterly bare, with only a scattering of flakes. My dad went out a bedroom window, shovel in hand, and started the process of freeing us.
Amazing! The Plains & Midwest get their share of fascinating and memorable storms. I have a couple bucket list items in terms of bad weather. One is to experience a Downeast Maine blizzard on the coast. Another is to experience a northern Plains or Upper Midwest blizzard. Of course, the harsh reality is that they can be mean storms to people. So, while those are bucket list items, they're worthy of respect too!
I was an Iowa kid, so I know more about blizzards than lake effect snow, but this was a fascinating read; certainly there were plenty of similarities to note. I learned a good bit, too. I didn't know about the 'settling' effect, for example.
Your explanation of the importance of the gradients -- where one location gets feet of snow while others get only inches -- did bring to mind one central Iowa blizzard c. 1955. The drifts were enormous in some places. We were at my grandparents' house, where the snow piled up to mid-roof on the east and south sides, blocking the only doors. On the north side, the ground was utterly bare, with only a scattering of flakes. My dad went out a bedroom window, shovel in hand, and started the process of freeing us.
Amazing! The Plains & Midwest get their share of fascinating and memorable storms. I have a couple bucket list items in terms of bad weather. One is to experience a Downeast Maine blizzard on the coast. Another is to experience a northern Plains or Upper Midwest blizzard. Of course, the harsh reality is that they can be mean storms to people. So, while those are bucket list items, they're worthy of respect too!