BlizzardsRed

= Blizzards  = = = Cameron F.- Katie B. = = Red Class = media type="youtube" key="m-gRb_MuUgg?fs=1" height="385" width="480" align="center"

= = = =

= = =

Introduction Blizzards are severe snow storms that have a combination of heavy winds and heavy snows. Blizzards could occur when the wind picks up fallen snow or snow that is falling with winds 35 mph or higher. Additionally, blizzards reduce visibility to 400 metres (1,300 ft) or less and last for a prolonged period of time — typically three hours or more (1). Blizzards aren't like regular snow storms because when blizzards happen while snow is on the ground the wind that goes 35 mph or higher picks up the snows! Dangers There could be many dangers from blizzards. For example, if you are driving in a car then the snow from the blizzard could be blinding while you are driving. Another example of a danger caused by a blizzard are extreme cold temperatures. This could be dangerous because the wind of a blizzard goes at least 35 mph and with the chill factor, that could make the temperature a lot colder! This could be dangerous for frostbite and hypothermia. Also, the ice formed on roads could be dangerous for cars to slip and crash. Lastly, the snow fallen from a blizzard to bring down pressure on roofs and make them collapse.(4)

Conditions of Formation Blizzards are caused when a large amount of cold air from the north meets with the warm air from the south the cold air pushes the warm air up and settles in the atmosphere where the water vapor forms snow clouds. then winds and low temperatures combine to make a blizzard.The reason behind the formation of a blizzard is related to the collision between a high-pressure atmosphere and a low-pressure atmosphere. A high pressure system in the atmosphere or a ridge sometimes moves towards a low-pressure and both of the interact with each other. At this moment the temperature of the air changes abruptly, which creates snow, extremely low temperatures, and dangerous conditions. = = = = 

Historical Examples Early in 1888, the deadly Schoolhouse Blizzard struck the Plains States from Texas to South Dakota, stranding school children in their one-room schoolhouses, hence the name. This storm was to be one of the worst blizzards in U.S. history. Snowfalls of 40-50 inches (102-127 cm) fell in parts of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and sustained winds of over 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) produced snowdrifts in excess of 50 feet (15.2 m). Railroads were shut down and people were confined to their houses for up to a week. The Great Blizzard of 1978 was a historic blizzard which struck the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes from January 25–27, 1978. The Blizzard was the worst in Ohio history where 51 people died as a result of the storm. Over 50,000 members of the Ohio National Guard were called in to make numerous rescues. Police asked citizens who had four-wheel drive vehicles and snowmobiles to transport doctors to the hospital. From January 26 to 27, the entire Ohio Turnpike was shut down for the first time ever. The total effect on transportation in Ohio was described by Major General James C. Clem of the Ohio National Guard as comparable to a nuclear attack. In 1978, the storm of the century paralyzed the entire state of Massachusetts. The Blizzard of '78 dropped between two and four feet of snow on the Bay State in the space of 32 hours. Ferocious winds created drifts as high as 15 feet. Along the coast, flood tides forced 10,000 people into emergency shelters. Inland, over 3,000 cars and 500 trucks were immobilized along an eight-mile stretch of Route 128. By the time it subsided, the storm had taken 29 Massachusetts lives, destroyed 11,000 homes, and caused more than one billion dollars in damage. The Blizzard of '78 is also remembered for many acts of kindness, cooperation, and courage. Here is a link to a site that tells about historic blizzards: Historic Blizzards (3)

=Safety= Everyone should stay indoors during a blizzard. Strong winds or heavy snow might cause electrical power lines to fall so the power might go out at your house. Make sure you are prepared for a power outage with flashlights and other heat sources like a fireplace or woodstove. Everyone should consolidate to a few rooms in the house or office to help stay warm. Put a towel or rag underneath doors to avoid losing heat to the other rooms or from cold air getting into the central location. Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking should be on hand. If you get stuck in your car during a blizzard, here are some key tips. For ten minutes every hour, turn on the car’s engine and heater to help keep warm. The exhaust pipe should be cleared from snow to protect from carbon monoxide. Watch out for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Try to move your arm and legs especially your hands and feet every so often to keep good circulation. To see the top ten blizzard tips, then click on this link:Top Ten Blizzard Tips (5)

Sources 1.) "//Blizzards.//" __National Weather Service Forecast Office.__ 2002. 23 Nov. 2010.   2.) "//Blizzard//." __ Oracle ThinkQuest Education Foundation. __ 23 Nov. 2010.  3.) Prinalgin, ed. //The Worst Blizzard In US History//. Tues. 23 Nov. 2010.  4.) "//Blizzards//." Emergency Dispatch-National Sky Page. Tues. 23 Nov. 2010.  5.)"//Blizzards//." WeatherChannel. Tues. 23. Nov. 2010. 