I’ve always wondered what the criteria were for a blizzard. I thought it was simply lots of blowing snow and cold temperatures. Apparently these are only a portion of what defines a true blizzard. I’ve provided 7 facts on blizzards in the list below. See if you knew any of these great facts!
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Snow Doesn’t Have to Be Falling for a Blizzard to Occur
It’s actually possible to have blizzard conditions without snowfall. Most people think snow falling in a thick mass of flakes, but even loose snow that has already been on the ground for a few days can be picked up by the wind and tossed about. This means that 3-day old fluffy snow can help to create blizzard conditions if the wind is just right.
Blizzards can occur in any season, not just winter. A blizzard is defined as a storm with winds of over 35 mph and visibility of less than a quarter mile for three consecutive hours. Blizzards can cause whiteout conditions, making it difficult to see and navigate. Blizzards can also cause power outages due to the weight of the snow and ice on power lines and trees. Blizzards can cause hypothermia and frostbite due to the cold temperatures and high winds. It is important to be prepared for a blizzard by having extra food, water, medications, and warm clothes.
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Wind Gusts Must Be at Least 35 Miles per Hour
Anything less than 35mph is considered to be merely ‘strong wind’. Great gusts that go over the 35mph mark are still considered to be blizzard conditions. The wind has to be constantly blowing in between these extreme bursts of wind.
When a blizzard howls outside, it’s the relentless force of the wind that truly defines its ferocity. Winds slicing through the air at speeds that can easily whisk away loose snow, intensifying the whiteout conditions and making it perilous to venture outside. These gusts aren't your everyday breezes; they're muscular blasts capable of toppling trees and downing power lines, making their impact felt far beyond the snowdrifts they sculpt. For anyone caught unsheltered, these gusts are more than a nuisance; they're a force to be reckoned with, challenging even the most winter-hardened souls.
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Frequently asked questions
Oh, a blizzard is like a snowstorm's big, bad cousin! It's when a bunch of snow falls with super strong winds, typically over 35 miles per hour, and lasts at least 3 hours. It makes it really hard to see and kind of feels like Mother Nature is throwing a snow-filled tantrum.
Not quite. Blizzards love to hang out in chilly places, typically where it's cold enough for snow to stick around. Think of areas like the Northern U.S. or Canada. But they're not so keen on tropical spots for a holiday. The right combo of cold, wind, and moisture has to be just perfect for them to show up.
Nope, it's not just the snow that makes a blizzard; it's the wind's wild party too! Blizzards whip the snow all over the place, so much that you can barely see a few feet in front of you. It's like the wind wants to sculpt the world in white, but maybe gets a bit too excited.
For sure! Blizzards can make these massive snowdrifts that look like snowy sand dunes. And when everything settles, it's like a brand new winter wonderland adventure map out there. Talk about a landscape makeover!
Yeah, blizzards aren't the best time for building a snow buddy. The fierce winds and heavy snow can make it pretty risky to be outside. It's much better to stay cozy indoors with hot cocoa and wait until the storm calms down to go snowman-crafting.
Visibility is a Quarter Mile or Less during a Blizzard
This is commonly referred to as a ‘white out’. I’ve only seen this happen a couple of times and it is very scary! It is definitely a weather condition that makes driving impossible.
Blizzards are a type of winter storm characterized by strong winds, low temperatures, and heavy snowfall. They often occur in the Northern Hemisphere and can cause power outages, road closures, and other disruptions. Blizzards can also create dangerous conditions for travelers, with visibility reduced to a quarter mile or less. In these cases, it is referred to as a “white out” due to the complete lack of visibility. Blizzards can also create extreme wind chills, making it even more dangerous to be outside. It is important to be prepared for a blizzard, as well as to be aware of the potential dangers associated with them.
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Strong Winds and Low Visibility Have to Be Constant for at Least 3 Hours
When I’m doing something fun, 3 hours flies right by, but during a blizzard, 3 hours seems like an eternity. This is definitely a time when it’s best to sit tight, grab a warm blanket, and sit on the couch with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
For those braving the elements, such conditions can be downright hazardous. Visibility can drop to near-zero, making every venture outdoors a potential ordeal. The gusts of wind are not the breezy whispers of a calm day but rather fierce roars that can disorient and chill to the bone. Imagine trying to navigate through a wall of swirling snow; it's like being inside a frosty washing machine. So, ladies, let’s cherish the coziness indoors and leave the tempest outside to its tantrums. After all, safety, warmth, and comfort should be our priorities amid nature's icy show of force.
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Frostbite Can Occur in Less than 30 Minutes
The extreme wind and cold during a blizzard cause the temperature to feel much colder than it actually is. For instance, when the wind is constantly blowing at 30 to 35mph and the temperature outside is 0, the cold air feels closer to negative 28 degrees once it hits your skin. This extreme cold causes frostbite very rapidly.
Frostbite happens when skin and other tissues freeze due to exposure to cold weather. In a blizzard, unprotected skin can be vulnerable to frostbite in minutes, especially on extremities like fingers, toes, and the face. It's critical to stay covered, wearing weather-appropriate gear such as insulated gloves, thick socks, and face masks. Keep in mind, frostbite starts with a prickly feeling and redness, then numbness. If you must go out, be vigilant about how your body feels, and seek warmth immediately if you notice these symptoms—your safety depends on it.
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Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Most Blizzards Come from the East Coast
Storms that form along the Atlantic coast move parallel to the eastern coast of the US and cause blizzards to occur. These Nor’ Easters pick up a lot of moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and then dump tons of snow on the Northeastern states, as well as some of the Midwestern states.
Nor'easters are a type of winter storm that typically form between October and April, with the peak season being from January to March. These storms can produce heavy snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding. The term "Nor'easter" comes from the direction of the winds, which blow from the northeast. These storms can also bring freezing rain and sleet, making travel conditions extremely dangerous. The most severe Nor'easters can dump over a foot of snow in just a few hours, causing power outages and shutting down roads and airports. The record for the most snowfall from a Nor'easter is 58 inches in Connecticut in 1888.
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The Great Blizzard of 1888 Had the Highest Death Toll in the US
More than 400 people died during this blizzard, which occurred between March 11 and March 14, 1888. Many of the deaths were caused inadvertently; some people died in fires that couldn’t be put out because firehouses were closed. People were trapped because of the drifts blocking the railroad tracks and trains were a main form of transportation back then.
Do you know of any additional tidbits that you could add to my list of 7 facts on blizzards? If you’ve ever had the chance to experience a blizzard, then feel free to tell a bit about what worried you most of all. I love the snow, but I’m not very fond of extreme weather conditions!
Top Photo Credit: spudart
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