Blizzard

Tochal sport complex 16

Heavy Blizzard in Ontario, Canada

Old farm at Overtown in deep snow in 1963

Jätkäsaari in a blizzard

Winter Storm Juno 2015 NYC 4 crop

Blizzard is a severe weather condition characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. The term is often used to describe a snowstorm where visibility is reduced to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours due to falling and/or blowing snow. Blizzards can lead to life-threatening conditions, including hypothermia and frostbite, due to the combination of cold and wind, and can severely impact travel and infrastructure.

Definition

A blizzard is defined by the National Weather Service as a storm with winds of 35 miles per hour or more, considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than one-quarter mile, and lasting for three or more hours. The criteria for what constitutes a blizzard can vary by region, but the emphasis is always on the combination of wind, cold, and low visibility.

Types of Blizzards

There are several types of blizzards, including:

• Classic Blizzard: Characterized by significant snowfall, high winds, and cold temperatures.
• Ground Blizzard: Occurs with no new snowfall but involves snow already on the ground being whipped up by strong winds.
• Snowstorm: While not all snowstorms reach blizzard status, those that do are marked by intense snowfall rates and significant accumulations.

Causes

Blizzards are caused by a combination of factors, including cold air masses, moisture, and atmospheric instability. They often develop on the leeward side of mountain ranges, which create a natural barrier that can enhance the conditions necessary for blizzard formation. Additionally, the collision of cold and warm air masses can lead to the development of a strong low-pressure system, which is conducive to blizzard conditions.

Impacts

Blizzards can have widespread impacts on both the natural environment and human society, including:

• Transportation: Air and ground travel can be severely disrupted, leading to delays and accidents.
• Infrastructure: The weight of snow and ice can cause damage to buildings and power lines, leading to power outages.
• Agriculture: Livestock and crops can be adversely affected by extreme cold and snow cover.
• Health: The risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and heart attacks increases during blizzard conditions.

Safety and Preparedness

Preparation for a blizzard involves several steps, including stocking up on food, water, and medical supplies, ensuring that heating systems are functioning properly, and staying informed about the weather through reliable sources. During a blizzard, it is advisable to stay indoors, keep warm, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Historical Blizzards

Several notable blizzards have occurred throughout history, including the Great Blizzard of 1888 in the United States, which caused significant loss of life and property damage, and the 1993 Storm of the Century, which affected a large portion of the Eastern United States.

See Also

• Winter storm
• Snowstorm
• Ice storm
• Nor'easter