the storm that caused the snowfall started as drizzle in california. it grew into a rainstorm. as it moved northeast, it turned into a blizzard. on 26 december 2010, the blizzard reached new york city. the blizzard caused a large amount of snow and strong winds. it also caused thundersnow, where thunder and lightning happen while snow is falling. it moved away from the city on december 27th. on december 28th, the blizzard moved out over the atlantic ocean.