Can Hurricanes Produce Snow?

When we think of hurricanes, images of torrential rainfall, powerful winds, and devastating storm surges come to mind. Snow, on the other hand, is typically associated with cold winter weather, far removed from the tropical climes where hurricanes reside. Can hurricanes produce snow? The answer is a surprising yes, but under very specific conditions.

What are Hurricanes?

Before we dive into the snow part, let’s quickly review what hurricanes are. Hurricanes are massive tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are fueled by the heat energy released as the seawater evaporates and condenses, forming towering clouds and precipitation bands. Hurricanes are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, which can cause catastrophic damage to coastal communities.

Snow and Hurricanes: An Unlikely Pair

Snow and hurricanes might seem like an unlikely pairing, given the vastly different weather patterns involved. Hurricanes thrive in warm, humid environments, while snow requires frigid temperatures and dry conditions. So, what are the circumstances under which hurricanes can produce snow?

The Rare Occurrence:

Snowfall from a hurricane is an extremely rare phenomenon, known as “hurricane snow”. This occurs when a hurricane moves over a region with extremely cold air, typically in the interior or high-elevation areas, causing the rain to freeze into snow. This process is called “rain-wet snow” or “graupel”, which forms when supercooled raindrops encounter cold air and freeze onto existing snowflakes or other particles.

The Right Conditions:

For hurricane snow to occur, you need the following conditions:

1. Cold air: The air must be cold enough to allow raindrops to freeze, typically with temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
2. Moist air: The air must be humid enough to produce significant precipitation, which is usually the case with hurricanes.
3. Interaction with topography: The hurricane must interact with high-elevation areas, mountains, or valleys, which can force the air to rise and cool, resulting in precipitation.

Examples of Hurricane Snow:

While rare, there have been instances where hurricanes have produced snow:

1. The Blizzard of 1888: A nor’easter developed from a hurricane and brought heavy snow to the northeastern United States, with snowdrifts reaching over 50 feet (15 meters) high.
2. Hurricane Olwen (1980): A hurricane dumped snow in parts of Mexico, including the city of Puebla, which received up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snow.
3. Hurricane Nicole (2016): A hurricane delivered snow to parts of North Carolina, including the mountains, with reports of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of snowfall.

Conclusion

While the idea of hurricanes producing snow might seem counterintuitive, it highlights the complexity and unpredictability of weather patterns. The rare occurrence of hurricane snow requires a specific set of conditions, including cold air, moist air, and interaction with topography. As we continue to monitor the ever-changing weather, it’s fascinating to explore the unusual phenomena that can occur when two weather extremes collide.

Sources:

• National Hurricane Center (NHC)
• National Weather Service (NWS)
• Weather Underground (WU)
• Weather Channel (TC)