Thundersnow? Snow Rollers? Breaking Down Michigan’s Rare Winter Phenomena

Already this year, we've had a much more Michigan-like winter than we had last year. Last season Michigan's first (and only) major snowfall happened in January, so we're doing much better in comparison. It seems Michigan is excited about a return to normalcy as well.

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These post-Thanksgiving snowfalls we've had have offered some pretty unique occurrences, including one that is especially rare and one that is just plain cool.

Thundersnow!
byu/TheRealZodiak66 inkzoo

Thundersnow

An exceptionally rare weather occurrence called Thundersnow, which is sort of self-explanatory in what it is but the science behind it is very interesting. Thunderstorms during winter aren't uncommon, but to have thunder AND snow at the same time? Very rare. It can only happen during lake effect snow, bomb cyclones, and very intense blizzards.

READ MORE: Michigan Law Says: Clear the Snow Off Your Car or Get Fined |

It happens when the surface is below freezing but a layer of warm air is above the freezing air, becoming unstable. This creates an electrical charge and that's the lightning we see and the more subtle thunder we hear. This lightning happens between the clouds, and doesn't reach the ground like a usual thunderstorm.

Snow Rollers

Any kid who has ever been on the playground after fresh snow knows how to create a big snowball. A small snowball starts rolling and as it picks up more snow it gets bigger, etc. But it's cool when it is so windy that the snowball starts on its own. Rather than making a ball, it creates a donut shape.

Intense wind in West Michigan made snow rollers byu/daytripper96 inMichigan

These events are rare, and for them both to happen in one night is just another thing that makes our winters pretty unique.