Blizzards By: Cristeen Park, 9CAF

What’s the difference between a snowstorm and a blizzard? What are blizzards? A blizzard is a severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility. It is characterized by strong winds and low temperature. What’s the difference between a snowstorm and a blizzard? The difference between a blizzard and a snowstorm is the strength of the wind. With a blizzard, the winds are high enough that they create what's called white out conditions - there's blowing snow in addition to snow fall that reduces visibility down to just about nothing.

How do blizzards form? Cold air at the surface A blizzard is a long-lasting snowstorm with very strong winds and intense snowfall. You need three things to have a blizzard: Cold air at the surface Lots of moisture, and lift Warm air rising over cold air When blizzards occur, it makes driving or walking very dangerous, because the whiteout conditions make it difficult to see.

Where do blizzards occur? Blizzards usually occur in the Northwest. Eg: Washington Oregon Idaho Montana Blizzards are most frequent in continental interiors at high latitudes where very cold weather is frequent and wind is easily generated.

The Great Blizzard of 1888 or Great Blizzard of '88 (March 11 – March 14, 1888) was one of the most severe blizzards in United States' recorded history.

The weather preceding the blizzard was unseasonably mild with heavy rains that turned to snow as temperatures dropped rapidly. The storm began shortly after midnight on March 12, and continued on for a full day and a half. The storm was so bad, that railroads were shut down and people were confined to their houses for up to a week.

The "Great White Hurricane," as it was called, paralyzed the East Coast from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine. Telegraph and telephone wires snapped, isolating New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington for days. Two hundred ships were grounded, and at least one hundred seamen died. Fire stations were immobilized, and property loss from fire alone was estimated at $25 million. Overall, more than 400 deaths were reported.

Flashlight and extra batteries. Remember, these storms can cause loss of electricity, heat, and telephone service and can trap you in your home for a few days. It's important to have sample supplies on hand in your home: Flashlight and extra batteries. First-aid supplies. Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm. People should never venture out in blizzards, nor should they continue to travel if a storm is upgraded to a blizzard. If you are in a situation where there is currently a blizzard going on, stay at home! A house offers the most protection from the strong, punishing winds, the extreme cold and snow.

So... How do I prepare myself for a blizzard? Blizzards are the most dangerous of winter storms. They produce high winds and heavy snow. Many blizzard-related deaths involve people who die of hypothermia in their cars, on the street or in wilderness areas. Sadly, most of these deaths could have been avoided with proper preparation. Blizzards also cause countless cases of frostbite, as well as damage to unsupported structures and homes. So… how should you prepare yourself for a blizzard?

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