Dynamics Of Jet Stream Caused Quick Transition From Storms To Snow

Temperatures in the 70s one day- two to six inches of snow the next.

Not something seen often but National Weather Service Meteorologist Mark Richards said it can occur.

“We had the subtropical jet involved. The polar jet involved, and when that happens after the threat of tornadoes is over and the front goes by, you have a lot of cold air feeding down into the south behind these systems.”

Richards said the dynamics of the jet stream caused the snowfall. Richards said an “Upper-low,” or cold core was formed that cause the air to freeze after the storm front passed.

“It got closed off really tight and was strong and was strengthening as it went across Alabama last night,” Richards said. “That’s why we were able to see the snow. The air just got so cold aloft all the way down to the surface from this Arctic air.”

Richards said warmth retained in the ground is the reason why many main roads did not get covered from the snowfall.