Blizzard Fun Facts

Homework and School help onWinter Weather

- Blizzards are some of the worst things that the weather can dish out. Although they may not cause the amount of loss that a hurricane or tornado does, they can literally shut down an entire cities and roads for days. You can also die if caught in one.

- In weather terms, in order for a system to be classified as a blizzard, or for a blizzard warning to be issued, there must be blowing or falling snow at 35 MPH (which can cause huge drifting snow) and the visibilities must be less than 1/4 of a mile for more than 3 hours. (Warnings are made by the national weather service)

- A lot of blizzards come from "Nor' Easters" which form along the east coast and move parallel to the coast. Moisture from the Atlantic means tons of snow can be dumped on the major cities in the Northeast. These weather systems can be very dangerous.

- Blizzards usually occur in the Plains states, upper midwest, and the Northeast. Strong weather systems can also create blizzards in the west, especially in the mountains.

- Even light snow showers with strong winds can create blizzard like conditions very quickly although for a short time. The weather can be very deceiving!

- Some the most notable blizzards happened in 1888, 1978, 1993, and 1996.

- Traveling during a blizzard or heavy snowstorm is not wise as the visibility conditions are very poor. Even walking should not be attempted in this kind of weather.

- Blizzards can cause high snow drifts due to the blowing wind. Fun to play in when the storm is over, but no fun trying to shovel out driveways, sidewalks, and other things from them!!

- Not only do blizzards have heavy and blowing snow, but weather temperatures can be bonechilling with windchills going below zero frequently.

- Rochester, NY averages around 94 inches of snow each year and has been named the snowiest large city in the US.

- Check out Blizzard Safety for info on how to stay safe during the storm.

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