New York’s Snowfall

Just weeks ago, New York narrowly escaped widespread snowfall due to a low-pressure system that tracked northward, allowing warmer air to move in. However, this week, the weather story changed dramatically. Cold air from Canada has moved into the northeastern U.S., establishing the ideal conditions for snow. As a result, any precipitation that occurred in New York was observed as snow.

Storm Emilia in Southern Spain

Meanwhile, southern Spain faced its own weather challenges with the arrival of Storm Emilia. Early Tuesday morning, a tornado, accompanied by heavy rainfall, caused extensive damage in the coastal town of La Cala de Mijas, Málaga. The tornado demolished festive Christmas lights valued at £67,000 that adorned the high street and is estimated to have inflicted around £500,000 in damages.

Formation of the Tornado

The tornado was formed due to a combination of warm, moist air rising while colder, drier air descended. This phenomenon, known as “wind shear,” allowed winds at various altitudes to twist in different directions, creating a rotating air column. As the updraft from the warm air lifted this invisible column, it transformed into a mesocyclone—a rotating column of air within a storm. The cold air facilitated downdrafts, which wrapped around the mesocyclone, enhancing its rotation and leading to localized wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph. While the winds outside the tornado were strong, they were not enough to shift debris, highlighting the localized nature of such tornadoes.

Conclusion

In summary, winter weather has impacted both New England and southern Spain in distinct ways, showcasing the unpredictability of nature. New York has experienced its first significant snowfall of the season, while Storm Emilia has reminded southern Spain of the power of severe weather.