NWS has issued a Blizzard Warning for our area here is the latest weather update from our consultant.What is a Blizzard?
According to the National Weather Service, a blizzard is defined as a winter storm with heavy snow or blowing snow that reduces visibility to ¼ mile or less for three hours or longer and winds of 35 mph or more. There are no temperature requirements, although bitter cold temperatures often accompany blizzards.
Blizzard warnings are typically issued after a winter storm watch, however, a winter storm warning can be upgraded to a blizzard warning if blizzard criteria are expected to be met during the storm.
Similar to a blizzard in many ways, ground blizzards are a distinct sub-category of blizzards that are caused by strong winds lifting loose snow or ice on the ground into the air. Consequently, precipitation is not required for a ground blizzard to occur, which is a key feature that helps to differentiate blizzards from ground blizzards.
As with any severe form of weather, specific weather conditions are needed for a blizzard to occur. These weather conditions include:
- Cold air to produce snow. For snow to maintain its form, colder temperatures must be present in the atmosphere and the ground. If the ground level is too warm, then the snow will melt before hitting the ground.
- Moisture is needed for clouds and precipitation. Before snow can form, moisture must be present. Since cold air is poor at holding moisture, most snow is not produced from cold air and instead comes from the water vapor emitted by lakes, rivers, and other sources.
- Moist air must rise over the cold air to create clouds and snow. As warm air flows up a mountainside, warm air eventually rises to form clouds and turn into snowfall. Additionally, snow formswhen warm and cold air comes together to form a front.
Blizzards form when these weather conditions are present simultaneously in an area. The mixture of moist and cold air provides the optimal conditions for snowfall.
A blizzard warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a blizzard is occurring or is imminent. Since blizzards greatly limit visibility and can cause bodily harm, issuing a blizzard warning in an area helps locals stay informed and protect themselves in the event of a blizzard.
Staying indoors during a blizzard is essential for preserving body heat and avoiding conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Additionally, driving during a blizzard is dangerous because of the reduced visibility and the loss of tire traction caused by snow buildup on roads. We’ve listed some blizzard safety tips below.
Blizzard Safety Tips
Like other forms of severe weather, the best way to stay safe during a blizzard and reduce the risk of injury is preparation. Here are some blizzard safety tips that will help you prepare:
- Seek shelter and stay indoors. Blizzards expose you to extreme cold, so staying indoors is your best defense. Stoking the fireplace or turning on a heater to stay warm is important for mitigating the colder temperatures and creating an ideal environment when waiting for a blizzard to pass. Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel and emergency heating equipment ahead of time, and fill your gas tank. If you must go out, dress appropriately, with multiple layers of warm clothing.
- Be prepared for power outages. You may lose power during a bizzard due to high winds. Make sure that you have plenty of batteries for flashlights. If possible, use a battery powered lantern rather than a candle to reduce the risk of a fire.
- Monitor the latest weather reports. Since blizzards last at least three hours, it is vital to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts. You can quickly check weather forecasts using a mobile device or weather radio, or the local news.
- Stock up on non-perishable food items. Whether you are stuck in a blizzard on the road or at home waiting for it to pass, you should have some non-perishable food items readily available. Blizzards can last for days and the effects for a week or more, so having a stockpile of non-perishables is crucial during prolonged events as grocery stores may not be easily accessible.
- Take breaks during shoveling. Shoveling snow after a blizzard can be a big tasks. Take frequent breaks and don’t overdo it. Heart attacks are a leading killer in the days after a blizzard hits.
- Do not drive. The roads will be difficult, if not impassble without four wheel drive. If you much venture out, pack an emergency kit and fully charge your cell phone before venturing out. Non clumping kitty litter might also be a good idea as it can give you traction in the event you get stuck.
- Watch your fireplace and coal burning stove. If the exhausts of either your fireplace or stove gets clogged by snow, you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Aside from prioritizing your safety, your access to information during blizzards is also essential. One way you can prepare for a blizzard is by investing in a weather radio.
As one of the best weather radios currently available, the Midland WR300 is an excellent choice. The Midland WR300 provides standard SAME alerts and non-weather alerts with its large, easy-to-read display.
