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Lake Effect Super Snow Squalls Off Lake Huron

Arkona, Ontario - Nov. 21 2008

  • The conditions for an incredible lake effect snow event came together on Nov 20-21 and the snow squalls that formed ended up bringing massive snow amount to areas south of Lake Huron. Even the locals I spoke to had never seen so much snow come down all at once. The hardest hit area of Arkona received a whopping 76cm of the white stuff in 24 hours. Ontario Provincial Police had to respond to emergencies using ATV's and snowmobiles since many of the area highways were totally shut down and the huge snow amounts trapped hundreds of motorists overnight.
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  • This was the worst one day snow total that I've ever encountered in many years of snow squall chasing in the Great Lakes region.
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    Near zero visibility on the highway while driving through one of the snow squalls.

    Strong winds whip up a lot of blowing snow.

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    One of the main roads in Arkona.

    Natural snow sculptures, Arkona.

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    Snow laden trees, bending under the weight.

    The only clue that there is a van under there is the rear view mirror.

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    Another buried van.

    Arkona took the brunt of the storm with 76cm of snow in 24 hours.

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    This lump of snow looks like a pickup truck.

    The most dramatic example was this car dealership, north of Alkona.

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    Every car in the lot was totally buried.

    Row after row of buried cars.

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    The car lot looked more like abstract art.

    More blowing snow.

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    Surprisingly, there was nobody out swimming...Hmmm.

    Icicles form on a lakeside branch - Lake Huron at Grand Bend.