Snow and thunderstorms seem like polar opposites, but they can actually occur at the same time! Known as “thundersnow,” this rare phenomenon can be seen in Arizona during winter – and it’s definitely a sight to behold.

Also known as a winter thunderstorm, thundersnow is a rare event with snow as its primary form of precipitation.

Wikipedia / JWIZMAN96 It occurs when a normal thunderstorm and cold front collide, resulting in heavy snowfall with thunderstorm-like characteristics.

Only six thundersnow events are reported each year in the United States, and Arizona is a prime candidate.

Flickr/Bernard DUPONT Look out for cumulonimbus clouds that sit especially low in the sky to distinguish the phenomenon from an ordinary storm.

Another telltale characteristic is snow that falls in a sideways manner.

Flickr/t mothy This is because of the ever-changing airflow conditions that are not typical of a regular snowstorm.

Snowfall rates are usually around 2-4 inches per hour, similar to the intensity of a heavy thunderstorm.

Flickr/Several seconds Visibility may be limited to less than a quarter-mile, even during periods of lighter wind.

Since thundersnow is often part of a severe winter storm or blizzard, strong winds are not uncommon.

Flickr/NASA/NOAA GOES Project In fact, gusts above tropical storm force often occur.

Due to such extreme winds, the temperature feels even colder than it actually is.

Flickr/Don Harder Frostbite has been known to set in rapidly.

Another grave hazard associated with thundersnow is a particularly dangerous type of lightning.

Flickr/nick damico It harbors positive polarity as opposed to the typical negative, which has an even greater destructive potential.

Have you ever seen thundersnow in person? If so, we’d love to hear about it from a firsthand perspective. Check out our previous article for more photos of Arizona during massive winter storms: What Real-Life Looks Like Inside The Snowiest Town In Arizona.

Wikipedia / JWIZMAN96

It occurs when a normal thunderstorm and cold front collide, resulting in heavy snowfall with thunderstorm-like characteristics.

Flickr/Bernard DUPONT

Look out for cumulonimbus clouds that sit especially low in the sky to distinguish the phenomenon from an ordinary storm.

Flickr/t mothy

This is because of the ever-changing airflow conditions that are not typical of a regular snowstorm.

Flickr/Several seconds

Visibility may be limited to less than a quarter-mile, even during periods of lighter wind.

Flickr/NASA/NOAA GOES Project

In fact, gusts above tropical storm force often occur.

Flickr/Don Harder

Frostbite has been known to set in rapidly.

Flickr/nick damico

It harbors positive polarity as opposed to the typical negative, which has an even greater destructive potential.

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