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how much snow did knoxville get

how much snow did knoxville get

2 min read 12-12-2024
how much snow did knoxville get

How Much Snow Did Knoxville Get? A Look at Knoxville's Snowfall

Knoxville, Tennessee, doesn't experience heavy snowfall like many northern cities. However, when snow does fall, it can disrupt daily life and spark plenty of conversation. This article will explore Knoxville's snowfall patterns, focusing on recent snow events and how to find historical snowfall data.

Understanding Knoxville's Snow Season

Knoxville's location in East Tennessee means it sits at the edge of typical winter storm tracks. This leads to inconsistent snowfall amounts from year to year. Some winters might see only a dusting, while others might experience several significant snowfalls. The elevation also plays a role; higher elevations in the surrounding areas usually receive more snow than the city itself.

Factors affecting snowfall in Knoxville:

  • Proximity to the Appalachian Mountains: These mountains can influence storm tracks and snowfall amounts.
  • Latitude: Knoxville's relatively low latitude contributes to milder winters compared to northern states.
  • Weather patterns: The specific weather systems moving across the region dictate the type and amount of precipitation.

Recent Knoxville Snow Events

Finding precise snowfall data for specific events requires consulting local news archives, weather websites (like the National Weather Service), and even social media posts from the time. Unfortunately, there isn't one central, readily accessible database for granular Knoxville snowfall information.

To find information on recent snowfall amounts, you can:

  • Check local news websites: Major Knoxville news outlets typically report snowfall totals during and after snow events. Search their archives for specific dates.
  • Consult the National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS website provides historical weather data, though the detail might vary depending on the specific station and reporting period. Their data often represents broader areas rather than pinpoint Knoxville totals.
  • Use online weather archives: Several websites aggregate weather data from various sources. These can be helpful, but always verify their accuracy against official sources.

How to Find Historical Snowfall Data for Knoxville

Gathering comprehensive historical snowfall data for Knoxville requires more effort. While no single perfect source exists, here's a strategy:

  1. Contact the National Weather Service (NWS): They might have detailed records, though obtaining them may require a request and potentially a fee.
  2. Search university archives: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, might have meteorological records dating back decades. Their library or relevant departments could be helpful resources.
  3. Explore local historical societies: These organizations may preserve old weather logs or newspaper clippings that record past snowfall.

Why Precise Snowfall Amounts Matter

Knowing the exact amount of snow a city like Knoxville received during a specific event is important for several reasons:

  • Infrastructure planning: Understanding historical snowfall patterns helps urban planners design infrastructure that can withstand future snow events. This includes snow removal strategies and the design of roads and bridges.
  • Emergency response: Accurate snowfall data informs emergency management planning and response to severe weather situations.
  • Historical analysis: Studying past snow events helps climatologists understand long-term weather patterns and the impacts of climate change on snowfall in the region.

While pinning down exact Knoxville snowfall numbers for past events can be challenging, using the resources listed above will improve your chances of finding the information you need. Remember that snowfall amounts can vary significantly even within a small geographical area.

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