A Panhandle Hook is a type of storm that occurs in the United States. They generally occur in winter, and any person who lives in the midwestern U.S. will cringe at the words, as Panhandle Hooks are usually copius snow producers. They have accounted for some of the most memorable Midwestern blizzards and snowstorms.

Formation

A Panhandle Hook storm is usually caused by a low pressure system which enters the United States through the south-western state of California. This is, however, a common storm track and many storms throughout the year cover it. A Panhandle Hook takes advantage of the fact that in winter the jet stream is usually further south than usual, and therefore takes a much more southern path across the United States. If the jet stream does not curve across the U.S., that is, if the jet stream lies in a straight line, the storm will pass harmlessly to the south of the Midwest, although people in the southern U.S. may complain because it is this scenario which is usually responsible for the rare occasions that it does snow there. However, if the jet stream makes a curve across the United States, coming in across California but making a diagonal line from the Texas Panhandle northeastward, the storm will track in that direction and head towards the Midwest. Since these storms start near the Gulf of Mexico on their way north, they pick up moisture from the area and grow stronger.

Effects

A Panhandle Hook is usually a devastating storm to the Midwest, as snowfalls usually run in excess of 10 inches (256.4mm) over a large area, and isolated areas usually can expect to see 15 inches (384.6mm) or more. To make matters worse, since Panhandle Hooks are usually associated with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, the airmasses they bring with them are usually warmer. Therefore, in the areas where it snows, the temperature is usually close to the magic 28°F (-2°C) number where snowflakes are at their maximum volume, increasing accumulations still further. Wind is usually not an issue, but if it does occur, the snow can drift into piles that are yet higher, and make driving on local roads impossible. Panhandle Hooks are responsible for many of the most crippling blizzards of Midwestern weather history.