The Science of a Blizzard By: Rian White and Jon Malloy T-5

Part 1 The Science of Blizzards A blizzard is a heavy snowstorm with very cold temperatures and sustained winds of at least 35mph. A blizzard occurs when below freezing temperatures in a cold front comes through a cloudy area. When the cold air meets the moisture in the clouds, it starts to turn into water vapor. As the water vapor begins to clump together to form small particles of ice, the particles begin to fall to the ground. In a blizzard, because of the below freezing temperatures near the ground, the ice will not thaw and will instead stay frozen.

Conditions that make it a blizzard Visibility of less than ¼ of a mile. Temperatures that are less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The blizzard has to be at least three hours long. Snowfall can accumulate on average to about 2.5 feet.

Where blizzards occur Blizzards usually form in the Great Plains of the U.S., in eastern and central Canada, and in Russia. Blizzards sometimes happen in the Northeast U.S., Britain, and Colombia.

Part 2 The Blizzard of 1978 The Blizzard of 1978 happened in the Northeast region, but was the worst in Massachusetts. The blizzard started February 5, 1978, and ended February 8, While a typical nor'easter brings steady snow for six to twelve hours, the Blizzard of '78 brought heavy snow for a full 33 hours.

Conditions The wind speeds got up to 75 mph. In Woonsocket, Massachusetts there was 37.6 inches of snow, which was the most amount in any place. Many people were left without heat, water, food, and electricity for over a week after the storm finished.

Aftermath Results 2,500 houses were reported seriously damaged or destroyed and 54 people were killed. Just about 10,000 people were forced to move into emergency shelters.

Aftermath Results 2 Over 3,500 cars were found abandoned and buried in the middle of main roads and even highways. It took six days to clear the roads as cars and trucks were buried underneath the snow.

Part 3 Before a blizzard occurs You should have an emergency kit in your house and in your car. You should wear many layers of loose fitting clothes and a scarf covering your mouth to protect your lungs. Maintain a good supply of heating fuel and food.

What to do if you are at home during a blizzard If you are caught at home during a blizzard make sure to tune into a radio or get a report on television. Remember that it may be hours, days, or weeks until emergency responders may find you. To help stay warm but not run out if your heating supply is turn down the temperature and wear warmer clothing. Make sure if you do go outdoors to help keep vents open make sure you wear layers that are lightweight and warm. Also do not eat snow because it will lower your body temperature drastically.

If caught in a car during a blizzard If ever caught in a car during a blizzard, make sure to keep your gas tank full and prevent it from freezing. Your engine is the main source of heat if you are caught. Make sure to have a disaster supply kit in your vehicle. If you are trapped inside you should keep moving hands and feet to keep blood flowing. And if you need to sleep make sure that one of the people with you stays awake incase of emergency responders.

What to do after a blizzard Make sure that you fix leaks and cut down branches that are hanging over the structure. Make sure to keep warm clothing so you don’t need to use up your heating supply. Remove all snow with the proper equipment. Hire a contractor to check the roof of the building and if can withstand the weight of the snow and if needed to do repairs.

After a blizzard occurs 2 After all of the snow has stopped falling, go outside and put sand and rock salt on ice. Also shovel as much as you can of your driveway. Gather up a new emergency kit for the next time a severe blizzard comes through your area.

Citing Sources “Winter Storms and Extreme Cold” 29 Mar “Before a Winter Storm” 6 Apr “During a Winter Storm” 12 Apr “After a Winter Storm” 12 Apr “Winter Storms” m