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Thundersnow

By Samantha-Rae Tuthill, AccuWeather staff writer

Published Dec 28, 2012 2:52 PM EDT | Updated Feb 22, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

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"Thundersnow" is the name given to a snow storm that is accompanied by thunder and lightning. Thunderstorms are significantly more likely in the summer when instability is in the air, along with lift and moisture. The necessary instability for a thunderstorm is less likely in the winter, as the air below needs to be cold enough for snow, yet warmer than the air above it.

However, when the right conditions are met, thunder and lightning can be produced during a winter snow storm. Since the snow can muffle the sound of thunder, you're more likely to notice it if you are within 3 miles of the lightning strike.

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