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Ask the expert | Extreme records | How snow forms | Special Report

Ask the expert

CNN's Chad Myers answers winter weather questions

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Meteorologist Chad Myers is a news and weather anchor for CNN.

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SPECIAL REPORT

(CNN) -- Do certain winter weather events have you bewildered?

In this series, CNN news and weather anchor Chad Myers sheds some light on winter weather phenomena, along with debunking a few common myths, by answering questions submitted by readers. (Submit your question)

How far in advance can a huge snowstorm be predicted?
-- Kim Olson from Athens, Georgia

The good news is that a major snow event can be picked up by computer models about five days in advance, but the location of the storm may be as much a 400 miles off course. So as the day of the storm gets closer, the forecasts can zero in on the exact location. I would say that with better than 50/50 accuracy you have to wait until 36 hours before the storm to count on the models.

What is a "snow roller," and under what conditions do they form?
-- Gord Bailey from Edmonton, Alberta

Rollers are very rare due to the ingredients needed. Wind is the most important factor, though. The best info about these unique large snowballs can be found at this National Weather Service Web siteexternal link ... Pictures and all.

Why is dew point an important part of a weather forecast?
-- Matt Crowder from Naples, Florida

Dew point is the absolute amount of moisture in the air. It is not "relative" to the temperature of the air. The number is important for thunderstorm development: Above 70 is potentially very volatile. It is also important for snow amounts. If a snow storm is coming yet the dew point shows less than 15, there is so little moisture in the air the storm will only be light powder. A snow storm with a dew point of 32 will bring heavy, back-breaking snow.

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