Blizzard

Definition

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour, low visibility of less than a quarter of a mile due to falling or blowing snow, and lasting for an extended period of time, typically three hours or more. Blizzards often occur when cold air masses collide with moist air fronts, leading to intense snowfall and dangerous conditions. These storms can disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and pose serious hazards to human safety.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blizzards can lead to whiteout conditions where visibility is severely reduced, making travel extremely dangerous.
2. They often develop in winter when cold air masses meet moist air from the ocean or other sources, creating heavy snowfall.
3. Blizzard warnings are issued by meteorological agencies to alert people of the impending severe weather and potential hazards.
4. The combination of heavy snow and high winds can cause snowdrifts, which may block roads and hinder rescue efforts during severe storms.
5. In addition to snow accumulation, blizzards can also cause power outages as strong winds damage power lines and infrastructure.

Review Questions

• How do air masses interact to create the conditions necessary for a blizzard?
  • Blizzards typically form when cold air masses collide with warmer, moisture-laden air masses. As the cold air pushes into the warmer air, it forces the moisture to condense and fall as snow. The strong winds associated with these interactions further exacerbate the storm's intensity by causing blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions.
• Discuss the impact of wind chill during a blizzard and its importance in weather forecasts.
  • Wind chill is crucial during a blizzard because it significantly affects how cold temperatures are perceived by humans. Even if actual temperatures are not extremely low, strong winds can make it feel much colder, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Weather forecasts often include wind chill values to help people understand the severity of cold conditions and take necessary precautions when facing a blizzard.
• Evaluate how blizzards can affect urban infrastructure and emergency response strategies in affected areas.
  • Blizzards can severely impact urban infrastructure by causing road closures, hindering public transportation, and disrupting power supply due to downed lines. This leads to challenges in emergency response as first responders may struggle to reach those in need. Consequently, cities must develop comprehensive snow removal plans and have contingency measures in place to ensure public safety during these events. Understanding the dynamics of blizzards aids in better preparation and efficient response during such extreme weather scenarios.

Related terms

Cold Front: A boundary that forms when a colder air mass pushes into a warmer air mass, often leading to severe weather events like thunderstorms and blizzards.

Nor'easter: A type of storm that typically occurs along the East Coast of the United States, characterized by strong winds and heavy snowfall, often leading to blizzard conditions.

Wind Chill: The perceived decrease in temperature felt by the body due to the flow of air, which can make cold conditions during a blizzard feel even more extreme.