Severe Weather: blizzards






By:  Caroline M

Definition


A blizzard is a severe snowstorm that is caused by strong winds that blow at 35 mph or more. They form when a cold air mass moves out of the Arctic into the temperate zone.

Where blizzards occur


Blizzards can occur in the northern Mississippi Basin, central Canada and Russia as well as many other places all at different times in the year. 

Predicting blizzards


Pay attention to the weather forecast.You often can feel if blizzards may be coming because there will usually be more violent winds, the temperature tends to drop significantly, and it begins to snow more frequently. If it is cold and windy with snow frequently falling,then a blizzard could be coming. Another sign is seeing dark clouds in the sky.

Damage


Blizzards are not transparent. It is nearly impossible to see through a blizzard. One of the reasons why blizzards are so dangerous is the reduced visibility due to snow flying everywhere from the fast wind. Blizzards cause damage to property by burying and carrying away vehicles. They also bury human shelter like houses and block roads as well as railway lines. Blizzards also cause deaths of people, animals and plants that they bury.

Staying safe

Do not travel during winter weather unless absolutely necessary. Dress warmly and make sure the car is in good running condition and has a full tank of gas. Bring a winter storm kit (chains, booster cables, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, food, water, or a cell phone if you have one). Reduce speeds and allow extra distance for braking on slick roadways. Keep away from downed power lines. If you become stranded, turn on the emergency flashers or raise the hood. Run the engine for short periods, making sure the tail pipe is clear of snow and a window is cracked for ventilation. Stock emergency supplies (food, water, flashlights, etc.) in case the power goes out. Use only approved indoor heating devices (not charcoal), and be especially careful with fires and candles.

Watches and warnings


A watch for a blizzard means conditions are favorable to create this event. A warning, on the other hand, means it has been created and is happening.

emergency kits

Some items that are important for an emergency kit are -

  • Flashlight

  • Canned food

  • Clean water

  • Medicine if necessary

  • Blanket

  • First aid kit

  • Something you can communicate with such as a radio

  • Extra cash

An area threat


Blizzards are most definitely a threat to Connecticut, seeing that its in New England. Just make sure you take cover by having the things I explained in the emergency kit.

Famous blizzards


The 1972 Iran Blizzard, which caused about 4,000 deaths, was the deadliest blizzard in recorded history. Covering about 10 to 26 ft of snow, almost 200 villages were covered by it. After a snowfall lasting nearly a week, an area about the size of Wisconsin was entirely buried in snow.

Cited work

"Blizzard." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
"Scholastic.com | Online Activities: Weather Watch." Scholastic.com | Online Activities: Weather Watch. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
"Weather Wiz Kids Weather Information for Kids." Weather Wiz Kids Weather Information for Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
"Blizzard Safety." Dangerous Weather. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
"Weather.com - Storm Encyclopedia." Weather.com - Storm Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
"Winter Storm Preparedness." American Red Cross. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

Conclusion


Thank you for your time and I hope you liked my presentation on blizzards.