(1) We see a lot of "Alberta Clippers" and short waves (little kinks in the jet stream). These tend to be rather frequent, and come from the Northwest (out of Albeta, Canada). These systems, while frequent, don't usually produce a lot of snowfall on their initital pass. Usually 2-4". They can lead to lake effect snow, on their heels, and we all know that lake effect snow really likes to "pile up" here.

(2) There are systems, like the one that may be brewing this weekend. This one is coming out of the southwest, and is a big, wet system that is going to run into colder air over this area. These lead to freezing rain, sleet, snow, and lake effect snow on their heels. These are the ones that usually get people talking. This type of storm has the ability to dump a lot of snow on the initial pass, and turn on the lake effect snow too.

(3) Nor' easters are the third. While they usually pile on the snow in New York City, and New England, they usually only have residual effects here. Mainly lake effect.... there it is again. These travel northward, along the Eastern Coast. So, this one, will be to the east.

I think the answer you are looking for is number 2, but there are so many systems that impact us in different ways. That is why I decided to give you three to choose from.

If you ever have a question, feel free to email the weather team at weather@wsee.tv.

This was the case during the lake effect event of December 5, 2007. The day before, the computer models were hinting that the the lake effect snow bands were going to taper off, and the radar agreed. We were just waiting on an Alberta Clipper to spread a meager 1-3" of snow. However, that is not what happened. The winds made a little shift, and were first coming out of the WSW (normal lake shore lake effect situation), then the NE (a rare "reverse lake effect" flow). After 7 straight hours of snow, the National Weather Service finally issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Erie County, and the lake shore of Ashtabula County.

We were all surprised. This one creeped up on us, and it looks like my "old man" was right... It was also the worst one for the city this year.

That is why I love weather, though. It is not cut and dry. It is not exact. It IS a challenge, almost like a game. This time the Storm Team gave Mother Nature a rare victory. I guess that is where the saying "Any given Sunday" came from. Though, this time it was a Tuesday.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE "ELFED STORM TEAM"

If you want to "Elf Yourself", wait until the end, and you can follow the instructions.

- Don’t leave pets outdoors, especially when the temperature drops below freezing. Even
garage or basement with blankets is better than just outside in the wind.

- Wind-chill can threaten a pet’s life, no matter what the temperature.

- Warm car engines are attractive but dangerous for cats and small wildlife.

- De-icing chemicals are hazardous.

- Antifreeze is a deadly poison.

SPECIFICALLY FOR FARM ANIMAL OWNERS

- Have a water supply for a minimum of three days, with provisions to keep it from freezing.
(Use plastic, not metal containers).

- Provide sturdy buildings to house farm animals that won’t collapse under the weight of
snow or ice.

- Have a containment area to keep animals from sliding down hills.