Blizzards

By Ruslan Yuki Gutierrez - 607

Blizzard FactsA blizzard is a severe winter storm that meets

these requirements:It must have winds of at least 35 miles per hourIt also must have visibility reduced to ¼ of a mile

or less due to snow for at least 3 hours.Temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

It does not have to actually have to be snowing for a blizzard to occur, it can also just blow around snow already on the ground.

This is called a ground blizzard.

Blizzard FactsA severe blizzard is a blizzard that meets the

following requirements:Winds of at least 45 miles per hour.0 visibility due to snow.Temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Blizzards are more likely to occur in plains or other places without much obstructions.

Blizzard CausesBlizzard conditions often develop on the

northwest side of an intense storm system because the difference between in the lower pressure storm and the higher pressure to the west creates a tight pressure gradient, which in turn results in very strong winds.

These strong winds combine with falling snow and fallen snow to create blizzards and whiteout conditions.

The strongest blizzards often form when the blizzard dips south and clashes with warmer air, causing more winds.

Blizzard DangersThe extremely low visibility caused by snow makes

it almost impossible to do anything outside, such as driving a car.

The extremely low temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia, and can freeze water pipes.

The high winds can knock trees and telephone poles over.

Gas and electricity can be knocked out.All of these plus the snow on the ground can make

communication and rescue nearly impossible.

Blizzard SafetyDuring a blizzard, it is safest to stay inside at all

times.If you must go outside, make sure to cover

exposed skin and keep warm.If you are traveling and a storm becomes a

blizzard or you drive into a blizzard, you should stop immediately and find somewhere safe.

Make sure to always have emergency supplies in the winter season just in case.

Always be prepared for a power outage by having candles and pre-charged or manually chargeable flashlights.

Quiz1: What is the minimum wind speed in a blizzard? 35 miles per hour2: What should you do during a blizzard?

You should always stay inside.3: In what part of a storm system do blizzard

conditions often develop?On the northwest side.

4: What can happen to people in a blizzard?They can get frostbite and hypothermia.

5: What makes a severe blizzard?Winds of at least 45 miles per hour, zero visibility and temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Referenceshttp://www.wrh.noaa.govhttp://www.weather.com