Background- Blizzards
Blizzards are periods of heavy snowfalls and high winds. They are dangerous winter storms that could cause you to be blocked inside for sometimes days at a time. You can get feet of snow at a time making traveling almost impossible. It is dangerous to be out during a blizzard so if a blizzard is coming try your best to stay indoors.
There are many types of snow storms:
Snow Flurries: Flurries are a light snow fall for short durations, but there is little to no accumulation.
Snow Showers: A snow shower is when snow is falling at varying intensities for a short time.When snow is falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time, we call is snow showers. Some accumulation is possible, but not guaranteed.
Snow Squalls: Often, brief but intense snow showers will be accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes regions and are often referred to as Lake Effect Storms.
Blowing Snow: Blowing snow is another winter hazard. High wind speeds can blow snow falling through the atmosphere into almost horizontal bands. In addition, lighter snows on the ground may be picked up and redistributed by the wind causing a reduction in visibility.
Nor'easter: A low pressure storm system that is commonly attributed to the cause of winter storms although a true Nor'easter can occur any time of the year.
Blizzards: With winds over 35 mph, blizzards are the most hazardous of the winter storms. Visibility is often near zero and everyone is encouraged to stay in a safe and secure location during a blizzard. Driving is especially discouraged as motorists can easily be stranded.
Ice Storm: One other type of dangerous winter storm condition is an ice storm. Ice storms are often to blame for multiple deaths in many regions of the world due to the loss of power experienced during an ice storm. Ice storms can accompany any of the other types of winter precipitation.
Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground are called sleet storms. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. Accumulation can cause road conditions to become hazardous, so beware.
Freezing Rain: When liquid precipitation comes in contact with a surface that is at or below freezing, the liquid becomes solid ice. Surfaces such as trees, cars, and roads often get a coating or glaze of ice that accumulates on the surface. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard due to the slippery conditions. The weight of the solid ice on powerlines is also a significant hazard.
There are many types of snow storms:
Snow Flurries: Flurries are a light snow fall for short durations, but there is little to no accumulation.
Snow Showers: A snow shower is when snow is falling at varying intensities for a short time.When snow is falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time, we call is snow showers. Some accumulation is possible, but not guaranteed.
Snow Squalls: Often, brief but intense snow showers will be accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes regions and are often referred to as Lake Effect Storms.
Blowing Snow: Blowing snow is another winter hazard. High wind speeds can blow snow falling through the atmosphere into almost horizontal bands. In addition, lighter snows on the ground may be picked up and redistributed by the wind causing a reduction in visibility.
Nor'easter: A low pressure storm system that is commonly attributed to the cause of winter storms although a true Nor'easter can occur any time of the year.
Blizzards: With winds over 35 mph, blizzards are the most hazardous of the winter storms. Visibility is often near zero and everyone is encouraged to stay in a safe and secure location during a blizzard. Driving is especially discouraged as motorists can easily be stranded.
Ice Storm: One other type of dangerous winter storm condition is an ice storm. Ice storms are often to blame for multiple deaths in many regions of the world due to the loss of power experienced during an ice storm. Ice storms can accompany any of the other types of winter precipitation.
Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground are called sleet storms. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. Accumulation can cause road conditions to become hazardous, so beware.
Freezing Rain: When liquid precipitation comes in contact with a surface that is at or below freezing, the liquid becomes solid ice. Surfaces such as trees, cars, and roads often get a coating or glaze of ice that accumulates on the surface. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard due to the slippery conditions. The weight of the solid ice on powerlines is also a significant hazard.