BlizzardsBlue

Blizzards
Michaela A. & Troy L. Blue Class

Introduction Blizzards are severe winter storms that can be created by strong winds that cause fallen snow to be blown around in the atmosphere by strong winds.(2) This makes objects hard to locate outside. This can cause—one, out of many injuries—a higher risk in accidents between cars on roads.(1) Blizzards are very hazardous and much caution and protection need to be taken when they occur.(1,2,3,4)

= = DANGERS: There are many dangers that blizzards have that can have a huge effect on human lives. One, out of many dangers, is the weight of the snow. The weight of the snow can cause a huge effect on the peoples houses. The roof of their house can sink in or leaks can be caused.(3) Another danger that blizzards can cause is icy roads. Icy roads can cause many dangers, such as, cars to be in a accident with others, cars sliding, or even driving to be so hazardous that cars are stuck in the blizzard. (2) Some homes that have bad water pipes can easily become frozen which leaves the house with no water supply.(2) Blizzards can cause many injuries to humans. Injuries can occur in automobile accidents, in homes-damages to house may have injury effect on humans-,and another injury that can effect humans is frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is when body tissue is frozen, causing that body tissue to be damaged.(2) Conditions of Formations There are three major things that are essential for a blizzard to happen. One thing needed to make a blizzard occur is below freezing temperature. The temperature has to be cold up in the clouds-where the snow will form- and down at the ground level. This cold temperature in //both// high and low atmospheres will produce snow for the blizzard. Another thing needed for a blizzard to form is moisture so it can form clouds and precipitation. Moisture in the air is called water vapor. Cold air is not able to hold a lot of moisture. So this causes very cold air to not produce much snow. Lastly, to help produce a lot of snow for the blizzard is warm rising air to form clouds and cause precipitation. A front is formed when warm air and cold air are brought together and then precipitation occurs. Warm air will also rise to form clouds and blizzard snows. (4) Blizzards are characterized by low temperatures, most likely below 20 °F. Usual wind speed are 35 mph or greater and cause frequent reduced visibility to 1/4 a mile or less for at least three hours. To be a severe blizzard it is considered for the temperature to be near or below 10°F and the winds exceeding 45 mph.(1) Historical Examples A huge blizzard occurred in 1717 in New England titled " The Great Blizzard of 1717". In the month of february when farmers started to realize snow falling and no clearing of clouds in the sky. Then one day the snow continually falling, creating a blizzard that continued on the country and village for two weeks. Finally when the skies became clear of blowing snow and the sun came out so did the people, to realize a depth of snow from ten to twenty feet. One effect that was quickly noticed was that wild animals would attack the villagers and farmers sheep's, hogs, and some deers. Some of the farmers animals could not be reached in time to be helped to escape the blizzard to safety and were frozen to death. another effect this blizzard had on people were that their houses were buried in snow and even hard to be seen. This also caused much struggle for people to get out of their houses. Another issue this blizzard caused for the people was trying to get food and stay warm. To solve the issue of getting food, men were sent to get butter, eggs, milk, and other essential things needed. The issue of staying warm was solved by people having to burn their furniture because the could not reach there supply of wood. Most people could not leave their houses until the warmth of the sun melted the snow so the people could at least escape their houses through one of their windows in their homes. Safety Safety is very essential in a blizzard because many injuries and dangers can occur during them. If anyone were caught in the blizzard while in a car or a truck, the first thing is to stay in the car. They should put their car on ten minutes every hour for heat. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning people should open the window a small bit to let fresh air in. To receive help from rescuers- if the weather gets so bad escaping will be hard-turn on lights of the car at night to try to be visible or by tying a easily visible cloth to a antenna a door will help single for help. If you are in a home or building when the blizzard occurs turn the heat on and make sure to properly ventilate. People should also close off unneeded rooms to keep the occupied rooms warm. People should also stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors to avoid the cold. Also, cover the windows at night because the windows can give off cold air. Food gives the body energy which will help the body produce its own heat and fluids will help keep the body for dehydration so making sure fluids and foods are available and essential. lastly, Exercises such as vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes will help keep blood circulating and help to keep warm. (2)

SOURCES: 1.) Unknown. __Blizzards.__ The Weather Channel.,  web. December 1. 2010 http://www.weather.com/encyclopedia/winter/blizzard.html (1)

2.) Unknown. Blizzards. United States Search and Rescue Task Force, Incorporated., 2000. Web. December. 1. 2010. http://www.ussartf.org/blizzards.htm (2)

3.) Melissa Conroy. April 24. 1998. web. December. 2. 2010. http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/sumnercs/ellism/mel.htm (3)

4.) Unknown. Look out For Dangerous Weather! The University Corporation For Atmospheric Research. Unknown. Web. December 5. 2010. http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/dangerwx/blizzard3.htm (4)

5.) William Dow Cram. The Great Blizzard of 1717. Little Stories of Old New England. January. 2004. Web. December 5. 2010. http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/oral/cram/blizzard1717.htm (5)