Know Right Now: From the Arctic Chill to ‘Lake Effect’ Snow

Among today’s trending stories, all 50 states saw below-freezing temperatures this week. More than 100 cities could break records for the lowest temperatures this time of year. As of noon on Wednesday, there were at least five deaths caused by the storm.

“Lake Effect” snow occurs when cold atmosphere moves across warmer lake water. The combination provides energy to absorb water vapor, which freezes and is dumped onto land. This weather phenomenon has pummeled the Great Lakes region and parts of upstate New York.

Buffalo has been hit with at least 76 inches of snow so far, a national record. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo dispatched the National Guard to assist in the most affected areas.