Blizzards

1. Blizzards AriadnaPerlog Class 607

2. Table of contents • Blizzards • How do blizzards form • How dangerous are blizzards • 4 facts about blizzards • Where to be when there is a blizzard • Supplies you need when there is a blizzard

3. Blizzards • Blizzard conditions occur when strong winds at least 35 mph combine with either falling snow or snow on the ground to reduce visibilities to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours. A blizzard is a strong winter cyclone event producing large snowfall accumulations, usually combined with strong winds causing blowing and drifting of snow.

5. How do blizzards form • Blizzards generally occur when cold polar air comes down and mixes with warm and moist air from lower latitudes. It requires a few more complex elements in the atmosphere to get a storm system going, but once it does it can feed on these temperature differences to become stronger. The stronger a storm gets, the "deeper" the low pressure at the center (lower, in other words), which helps to enhance the winds, creating a blizzard.

6. How dangerous are blizzards A blizzard is the worst kind of snowstorm, in which strong winds blow snow into snowdrifts (huge piles) that can bury people and possessions. It is a snow storm with blustery, piercing winds of 35 miles per hour or more and a wind-chill factor as low as -20º Fahrenheit. Transportation is difficult and dangerous during blizzards because air temperatures can be 10ºF or lower, with visibility less than 400-500 feet. When there is no much snow that people and animals cannot tell the earth from the sky, it is known as a whiteout. Humans and livestock can lose their way and freeze to death. Blizzards carry the risk of hypothermia, frost bite, suffocation, and being stranded.

7. A car landed vertically in a snow bank in an accident involving several vehicles.

8. A Person is trying to find there way out of the blizzard.

9. 4 facts about blizzards 1)Some of the most memorable blizzards in the U.S. have occurred on the East Coast, known as Nor'easters. The storms stall over the coast and last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours with snow amounts measured in feet rather than inches. 2)A blizzard is a severe snowstorm usually accompanied by high winds, blowing snow and very cold temperatures. 3)Blizzards and severe snowstorms have a number of dangers including blowing snow that can cause whiteout conditions that make driving and walking nearly impossible. 4)The National Weather Services defines blizzards as large amounts of falling or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than ¼ of a mile for a period of more than 3 hours.

10. Where to be when there is a blizzard • Go inside a room with no windows, since the power of the snow could damage your glass (unless it is safety glass). Never open windows, and do not use something like a computer or blender. You could be shocked by the sparking electricity. Stay indoors and dress warmly. Eat regularly, because food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Also, drink lots of water. Avoid driving until conditions have improved.

12. Supplies you need when there is ablizzard • The high winds accompanying blizzards can often knock down electric lines, with the result that there will be no central heating and the lights will be out. This is a time when it is important to have emergency supplies available. Your stored water will be important now, as will emergency food. As some source of heat should be available to prevent hypothermia. If you have a wood burning stove, even a small one, this can be used to keep the house warm. However, a kerosene heater is another alternative heating source that can be used during a power outage. Lastly most important listen to the news when the blizzard is coming . Buy extra food and water, (make sure the food won't go bad for a while) and have a disaster plan.