Thundersnow Occurred In Heavy Sea-Effect Snowband Near Sochi, Russia!!! (Credit: Meteo Europe)1/31/2017 
DISCUSSION: Just like what is seen during the summer, thunderstorms are indicative of strong vertical motion whether it be in a summer downpour or winter snowstorm. Such was the case over Sochi, Russia late last night when a powerful low pressure system brought heavy snowfall and rare thundersnow to the city. Unlike in the summer where thunder can be heard over 10 miles away from the lightning strike, the snow suppresses the sound and typically can only be heard about 2 miles away from the strike. If you have noticed, soon after a fresh snowfall blankets an area all is pretty quiet except for your neighbor’s snow blower clearing the way, that is the case because like mentioned before, snow is a great insulator.
Reports from around the area confirm that a general foot (30cm) of the white stuff covered the region. High pressure is in control for now before another weak area of low pressure moves through later this week, bringing more snow with it as well. While many are wondering where is winter across the United States, many places across Eastern Europe, and especially Southern sections, have seen plentiful amounts of snow so far this winter. To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ~ Meteorologist Jake Keiser
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Devastating Avalanche Impacts Central Italy! (credit: Rete Meteo Amatori via Meteo Europe)1/27/2017 
DISCUSSION: After several high-impact winter storms moved through areas across central-to-northern Italy, there was a geographical response by way of an avalanche. Avalanches often occur as successive intense snowfall totals from accumulated winter low pressure system move through a given region compact and eventually destabilize. As snow continues to pile up and compact over the course of days and weeks, it can eventually pile up to such an extent that it becomes increasingly unstable. When this occurs coupled with a geologically-oriented event such as an earthquake (as was the case earlier this week over in and around the city of Rigopiano, Italy), this can sometimes trigger the occurrence of an avalanche. Hence, aside from somewhat improved forecasting by various branches of both the U.S. and Italian governments during the past few decades, avalanches of any size and magnitude often prove to have devastating consequences on villages and cities which are vulnerable and lie in the path of this life-threatening natural hazard. No matter what the circumstances are, if you are in the path of an area which is placed under an avalanche advisory, an avalanche watch, or possibly an avalanche warning, be sure to remain on the side of caution and avoid travelling through areas placed in or even close to the avalanche watch/warning.
To learn more about other high-impact weather and weather-related events occurring across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz 
DISCUSSION: As a strong low pressure system continued to move across portions of south-central Europe over the past 24 to 48 hours, heavy snowfall impacted portions of central Italy. As you can clearly see above, there were near whiteout conditions at times during the course of the day on Monday as strong, gusty winds combined with heavy falling snowfall to create near-zero visibility for many people during the course of this event. As we continue to go through the 2016-2017 Winter season across central to south-central Europe, there was a consistent trend defined by fairly heavy snowfall impacting these areas. Having said that, it goes without saying that this heavy snowfall event led to a multitude of travel delays and/or cancellations in regards to domestic and international flights into and out of Italy! In addition, this also caused a substantial number of issues and nasty travel conditions for all those travelling in automobiles of some sort.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events occurring across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Impressive Snowfall Envelops Chieti Abruzzo, Italy! (credit: Lella Zottolo via Meteo Europe)1/17/2017  DISCUSSION: Here is a beautiful shot of continuous snowfall which recently occurred over in Chieti Abruzzo, Italy (courtesy of Lella Zottolo). By the time all was said and done, there were snowfall accumulations in excess of 70 cm (or 27 inches). Across this and other nearby sections of central Italy, many roads were at least marginally blocked in some places by broken trees. More heavy snowfall is still expected as several fronts push through. If you or anyone you know is moving across areas in and around the city of Chieti Abruzzo, be sure to urge them to remain on the side of caution and avoid travel until both road and weather conditions improve!
For more detailed info, feel free to check out the full story (courtesy of Meteo Europe), you are welcomed to check out: https://www.meteoeurope.eu/live-ticker-low-finjas-s-se-europe/ To learn more about other high-impact weather events occurring across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz 
DISCUSSION: As of about a week ago, a fairly strong low pressure system gradually moved through portions of south-central Europe. As it pushed across southern Europe, it ushered in a substantial amount of Mediterranean moisture northward which subsequently collided with much colder air surging in from portions of northern to northeastern Europe. This collision of air masses and subsequent overriding of the more buoyant moisture over the colder air led to tremendous snowfall totals; especially in the more elevated parts of central-to-northern Italy. As seen in the footage above (courtesy of La Meteo), there were tremendous snowfall drifts after snowfall totals of around 200 cm were measured in and around Pescoconstanzo, Italy back on January 8th.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events occurring across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Significant Snowfall Comes to Athens, Greece! (credit: Christos Doudoulakis via Meteo Europe)1/11/2017 
DISCUSSION: As a weak low pressure system pushed through much of central and southern Greece during the last 24 hours, wintry weather was ushered into the greater Athens metropolitan area. As shown in the graphic above (courtesy of Christos Doudoulakis via the Meteo Europe team), there were fairly impressive snowfall totals which unfolded across this part of south-central Europe. In the wake of this somewhat surprising snowfall event, departing and arriving flights from Athens International Airport were at least slightly impacted but the effects of this latest winter blast will linger for a little on local roadways and highways. If you have family living or travelling across this region, it would be worthwhile to check on them just to make sure they have stayed safe through this event. Aside from that, it is worthwhile to note the pure beauty of the wintry scene observed over in Athens, Greece.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events occurring across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Cold Temperatures Across Western Europe Support Furniture on Pool Water! (credit: Meteo Europe)1/10/2017  DISCUSSION: Over the past few days many parts of western Europe have experienced incredibly cold temperatures and this is not expected to persist over the next few days as well. Having said that, this persistently cold weather has had some fairly unique impacts on local residents' lifestyles; namely, the freezing of pools in backyards as shown above. As a result of the very cold air in place for the past several days, this has allowed the top layer of pool water in this and other backyards to freeze over to the point that the icy surface supported the weight of this family's lawn furniture. Nevertheless, as it the case for any pond or lake during the coldest parts of the Winter season, it is NEVER SAFE to walk out onto thin ice in any situation since it is inherently dangerous and risky to one's safety to do so. Therefore, always stay on the side of caution and avoid walking on thin ice (i.e., whether it is residential or natural).
To learn more about other high-impact events occurring across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz
DISCUSSION: While parts of the Northeastern United States experienced a powerful coastal snowstorm, a strong upper-level trough brought the coldest air of the season along with heavy snowfall to Central and Southeastern Europe. Very cold air from Northern Russia was filtered down into the region, which brought temperatures as cold as -40°C in some spots! The winds located high up in the atmosphere at the 250hPa level (~34,000 feet which is roughly 10,300 meters), were responsible for bringing the cold air South into Southeastern Europe. The winds this high up in the atmosphere are known as the Jet Stream and they move all weather systems across the globe. The cold air also brought impressive snowfall amounts to many across the continent, especially in Italy.
Just like here in the United States where we have Lake-Effect snow, which occurs when cold air moves over the warm Great Lakes and can drop feet of snow over several days, Italy experiences Sea-Effect snow, thanks to cold polar air moving over the relatively warm Mediterranean Sea. When cold air moves over a warm body of water, warm air is forced to rise where it then cools and condenses and drops snow downwind of the body of water. For example, in the United States when a brisk Northwest wind develops in the wake of the passage of a cold front over Lake Erie, heavy Lake-Effect snow bands develop over the town of Erie and persist until the winds either decrease or shift direction. The same thing occurred in Italy last week when the cold air moved over the Adriatic Sea from the North and dropped the heavy snowfall to the South which is Italy’s Eastern coastline. Some places higher in elevation recorded over 200cm of the white stuff! That is nearly 6.5 feet, that is more than enough snow to bring cities and towns to a halt. Snow was even reported as far Southeast as Greece and even Istanbul, Turkey. The cold air is not set to retreat anytime soon, making cleanup efforts very difficult because when temperatures are that cold frostbite can develop in just minutes on any exposed skin. Temperatures should hopefully moderate towards normal by this weekend, but looking even farther into the future another cold wave is set to pummel Eastern Europe as we head into early next week. Stay warm out there our fellow European followers! To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ~ Meteorologist Jake Keiser 
Heavy snowfall in Pescocostanzo, Abruzzo, Italy where nearly 200cm fell! Jan 6th, 2017 (Credit: Meteo Europe)
Snowfall in Istanbul, Turkey Jan 7th, 2017 (Credit: Meteo Europe).
Map Showing The Cold Temperatures Over The European Continent Jan 6th, 2017 (Credit: Meteo Europe).
Nasty blizzard conditions impact parts of northern Slovakia and beyond! (credit: Meteo Europe)1/6/2017 
DISCUSSION: As a strong extra-tropical cyclone gradually pushed through parts of south-central Europe, there was a classic set-up in place for very nasty winter storm conditions to persist across areas in and around northern Slovakia. As shown in the video above as well as the two atmospheric height graphics centered over Europe, you will denote the red-circled regions placed over each map (the upper graphic shows the 850 mb geopotential height map centered over Europe which depicts the spread of atmospheric height contours at roughly a mile or so above the surface while the lower graphic depicts the 1000 mb (or surface) geopotential height map over Europe as well). These red-circled regions denote the areas which experienced some of the more intense blizzard conditions over the last 24 to 48 hours which were predominantly centered over countries including (but not limited to) Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, and more.
The footage attached above (courtesy of Ľubomír Kolesárby) captured near-blizzard conditions which were observed as of yesterday afternoon in the Tatras mountains which are located in northern Slovakia. As noted by the Meteo Europe team, actively reporting weather stations reported heavy falling and/or blowing snowfall which generated consistently poor visibilities of 250 meters or less (i.e., visibilities of around 800 feet or less) coupled with gusty winds and consequential snowdrifts. As you head out over the next few days, be smart and safe bv dressing in layers since very low wind chill values are expected to linger for the next couple of days with some wind chill values dropping as low as -30°C or below in some places. To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Heavy Snow Event in Latvia Turns Tragic! (credit: Gubumākonis via Meteolapa via Meteo Europe)1/5/2017  DISCUSSION: In the way of the last post which comprised a description of the recent sea-effect snowfall across the Baltic Sea, there was also a second set of sea-effect snow bands emanating off the Gulf of Riga. As a result of this snowy weather is far northwestern parts of Latvia, there were a number of issues with travel along many roadways across that part of the country. More specifically, this snowy weather in Riga, Latvia caused at least 161 crashes on various Latvian roads and at least 26 people were injured. Moderate to heavy snowfall was occurring throughout western Latvia near the times of many of these car accidents. Moreover, the road conditions were so difficult due to the combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds which limited the visibilty. This is just another example which details one of the many reasons for why when roads are expected to become tracherous during any given heavy snowfall event that you respect the natural power of Mother Nature.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz  DISCUSSION: As seen in the image above (courtesy of the NASA Terra/MODIS satellite imager, as of much earlier in the day today there was a series of very impressive sea effect snow bands (a.k.a. "cloud streets", streamers, or horizontal convective rolls) propagating from north to south across the central/southern portions of the Baltic Sea. These sea effect snow bands or streamers formed as a result of excessively cold air moving over the relatively warmer waters of the Baltic Sea. Thus, as a consequence of the temperature difference between the sea-surface temperatures and the temperatures of the air roughly a mile above the ground, there was a classic sea-effect snow response. This sea effect response lightly impacted far western sections of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz A Winter Wonderland Comes to the Mountains of Austria! (credit: Fam. ter Braak. via Meteo Europe)1/5/2017  DISCUSSION: As a weak low pressure system pushed through parts of northwestern Europe much earlier in the day today, many people across several parts of Poland woke up to a very scenic winter wonderland. To be specific, there was a fresh coating of new snowfall of around 30 cm for parts of Vorarlberg and Tirol in Austria and the images above was taken in Mittelberg Kleinwalsertal! There is no doubt that this will put a hitch in some people's travels across northwestern Europe since that is more than enough snowfall to stall travel abilities via both ground and rail. The country-wide regional and international airports should or likely already did recover quite well since there has been plenty of time to clean from the bulk of the recent snowfall accumulations.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Thundersnow Experienced over in Klobuck, Poland! (credit: fotosymetria.pl via Meteo Europe)1/4/2017 
DISCUSSION: As of earlier today, there was an impressive thundersnow event which unfolded across areas in and around Klobuck, Poland. During the heart of the Winter season, there seldon are ideal conditions which can facilitate stronger upward vertical velocities. Within the heart of larger-scale winter storms, you can often find a greater amount of in-cloud particle (i.e., hydrometeor-based) separation at or above the height at which the 0°C (or 32°F) level is positioned. This occurrence of particle separation typically occurs due to a sizeable imbalance in the concentrations of positively- and negatively-charged particles within different regions of the cloud (specifically within the parts of the cloud where the highest density of dendritic snow growth (or "pretty" snowflake formation) is occurring. Thus, this imbalance is released in the form of a electrical discharge which is observed as thundersnow. In situation in which there is a cold, deep layer of concentrated moisture and strong in-cloud air parcel vertical velocities, this can add substantial support to the episodic potential for occurrences of thundersnow such as what recently occurred over in Klobuck, Poland!
To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Lake-effect snow impacts the Vaslemma region of Estonia! (credit: Andres Tuzberg via Meteo Europe)1/4/2017 
DISCUSSION: As of earlier in the day on Wednesday, very heavy snowfall began cranking off of the Gulf of Finland. As noted in the actual post on the Meteo Europe Facebook page, "Clouds with snow are moving from the Gulf of Finland to the northern coast of Estonia. The wind is still strong and feels very cold. Wind gusts are reaching up to 25 m/s in the coastal areas. In the afternoon, 27,2 m/s wind gust was measured in Osmussaare." Clearly, there are incredibly dangerous travel conditions in place across sections of northern Estonia so if you need to be out and about, be sure to take it slow. Many people across northern Estonia will continue to see more lake effect snow for some time before it tapers off over the next 24 to 36 hours. The conclusion to this particular lake effect snow will be a result of the fact that the wind direction will begin to gradually shift from the north to west; mitigating the potential to wind to travel across a sufficient distance of the Gulf of Finland.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across Europe, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz |
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