Cera Thomason, Rachel Trieschmann, Brian Hebbeln Blizzards

 A mass of polar air meets a mass of warm air.  Polar air pushes warm air up and settles in the atmosphere where water vapor forms snow clouds.  Winds and low temperatures combine with the snow to create a blizzard.

 Measured by: wind speed, barometric pressure, inches  Conditions of a North America blizzard: ◦ At least 25 mph wind speeds ◦ Heavy snow fall and low visibility ◦ Last at least 3 hours  Where: Northeastern U.S., Canada, Northern Europe, and Northern Asia  Warning Signs: Strong winds, blinding wind- driven snow and dangerous wind chills are expected. Best to stay updated with news reports.

 January 12- Blizzards hit Dakota Territory, the states of Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas.  235 dead, mostly children on their way home from school  March 11- “The Great Blizzard of ‘88” begins along the eastern seaboard of the U.S., shutting down commerce and killing more than 400.

 Seek shelter immediately  Keep emergency supplies inside trunk and keep gas tank full for emergency use.  If possible, let someone know your destination, route and expected arrival.  Cell phones are great, but keep a limited use to avoid overloading the cellular system. ◦ Approximately:  70% of deaths are due to automobile accidents  25% are caught out in the storm  20% are at home

Rachel Trieschmann, Cera Thomason, Brian Hebbeln