ESSEX COUNTY, N.J. (PIX11) -- An unusual weather phenomenon known as thundersnow was reported near Essex County Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The rare weather event was reported around 6:17 p.m.
Thundersnow is what happens when lightning can occur within snowstorms and is possible when there is a relatively strong instability and abundant moisture above the surface, such as above a warm front, according to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory.
New Jersey residents responded to the NWS on social media, reporting thunder and lightning in towns across Essex County and even in Union County.
The thundersnow comes amid the first winter storm of 2025. A State of Emergency, declared by Gov. Phil Murphy, went into effect at 8 a.m. Sunday. The state is expecting heavy snow totaling up to 8 inches followed by extremely low temperatures.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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