'Influence of Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) on Ice Storms in Great Lakes Region'

Atmospheric Rivers (ARs), identified using Integrated Vapor Transport (IVT), are long and narrow passages of water vapor that transport moisture from the tropics to the mid-latitudes that became a point of focus in linking to ice storm events in the Great Lakes Region. The specific connection between atmospheric rivers and ice storm events in the Great Lakes region remains poorly understood. This study aims to address the knowledge gap by analyzing reanalysis data to understand the presence and characteristics of atmospheric rivers during ice storm events in the Great Lakes region. The study shows a consistent association between atmospheric rivers and ice storm events in the Great Lakes, with all of the biggest ice storms identified using pre-determined criteria being impacted by atmospheric rivers. The Gulf of Mexico is identified as the primary moisture source, and the 250 kg/m/s IVT line on the northern edge of atmospheric rivers is crucial for determining the largest ice accumulations. The study's findings highlight the significant role of ARs in ice storm occurrences in the Great Lakes region but failed to attribute AR presence to increased ice accumulations.