This past weekend some big gray clouds rolled through and dropped some frozen precipitation on us here in Chautauqua County. While most of it has already melted, it was quite a surprise to see in mid-October with all the autumn leaves and colors still vibrant. Much of what fell was graupel, a form of soft hail that looks and acts like ball bearings once it hits the ground. These snow pellets created slippery conditions on the roads and piled up in many low lying areas. While we still have a ways to go before winter officially settles in, its never too early to be prepared for an unexpected snowy appearance!
