Weather Tip - What is a Blizzard?

The TV weatherman is calling for a blizzard. What does that mean?

Blizzards are significant winter storms that can cause lots of problems and damage., The National Weather Services has defied a blizzard as a winter storm with:

• 3 consecutive hours or more with considerable falling and/or blowing snow,
• visibility of a quarter mile or less, and
• frequent wind gusts or sustained winds at or over 35mph (56 km/hr).

A ground blizzard occurs when snow is not actually falling, but loose snow on the ground is being blown about by strong winds.

For more definitions and a nice wind-chill chart: https://www.weather.gov/dmx/wintersafety

Here’s information on how to prepare to survive during a blizzard. The most important advice: Don’t leave your home!

• https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html
• https://www.almanac.com/are-you-prepared-next-blizzard
• https://virtualability.org/get-ready/

Some people even find joy in blizzards.

• https://www.almanac.com/joys-blizzards-1