Winter Storms By: Neko and Christian

How is Snow Formed? Snow is commonly formed when water vapor undergoes deposition. Which is when water vapor changes directly to ice without first becoming a liquid. High in the atmosphere at a temperature of less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit and falls to the ground.

What is Thunder Snow? Thunder snow is when thunder and lighting occur during a snowstorm. This occurs most often in late winter or early spring. To get thunder snow, you need a mass of cold air on top of warm air, plus moist air closer to the ground.

What is Frost? Frost is white ice crystals that form on a surface, like the ground or leaves of a plant. Frost is created when the air temperature drops below freezing and the water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals.

What is an Ice Storm? An ice storm is a type of winter storm caused by freezing rain. The U.S. National Weather Service defines an ice storm as a storm which results in the accumulation of at least 0.25-inch of ice on exposed surfaces.

What are Snowflakes? Snowflakes are made of ice crystals. Each snowflake is six-sided and made of as many as 200 ice crystals. Snowflake form in clouds where the temperature is below freezing. The ice crystals form around tiny bits of dirt that been carried up into the atmosphere by the wind. As the snow crystals grow, they become heavier and fall toward the ground.

What is Freezing Rain? Freezing rain is just rain that falls onto a surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

What is Sleet? Sleet is rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to an object.

References http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-winter-storms.htm