What is a Winter Storm?
A winter storm is an event in which a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain cause hazardous driving conditions and extreme cold. Blizzards form when a combination of very strong winds and large amounts of snow occur together.
How Do Winter Storms Become Blizzards?
In order for a winter storm to become a blizzard, there are three key elements that must occur:
1. Strong Winds
The wind must be strong enough to blow the snow so that it reduces visibility to a quarter mile or less. Gusts should be around 55 mph or higher.
2. Falling Snow
Snowfall should be light to moderate in intensity, with accumulations of at least four inches during a twelve-hour period. Visibility should be reduced to a quarter mile or less by the blowing snow.
3. Cold Temperatures
Temperatures must be low enough for the snow to stick to the ground and accumulate. Temperatures should be lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 Celsius).
Other Factors that Make Blizzards More Dangerous
- High Wind– Wind gusts of greater than 35 mph can create whiteout conditions and blow snowdrifts across roads and runways.
- Low Temperature– Low temperatures can make the snow harder to shovel, longer to melt, and more difficult to remove from roads.
- Freezing Rain– Freezing rain can create a layer of ice underneath the snow, making it much harder to move or plow.
Conclusion
Winter storms can quickly become blizzards, bringing dangerous driving conditions and reduced visibility. To become a blizzard, there must be strong winds, falling snow, and cold temperatures. High winds, low temperatures, and freezing rain can also create more dangerous conditions, leading to whiteouts, drifts, and icy roadways. Winter storms can become quite serious, with many leading to the formation of a blizzard. Understanding how these storms form and the weather conditions necessary for a blizzard to occur can help people prepare for the worst and stay safe during extreme winter weather.
Blizzards form when a low pressure system passes over a region and meets cold surface air at the same time. A large supply of high moisture in the atmosphere is necessary, which often comes from the Gulf of Mexico. As the cloud forms, it combines with the cold air from the surface and begins to move northward. As the system comes in contact with more of the cold air, the clouds begin to ascend into the atmosphere, forming a storm. Sustained high levels of winds with gusts of 35 m.p.h. or higher can cause extreme amounts of snow to be blown across the landscape for hours or days.
Snow storms won’t always turn into blizzards. For a storm to earn the title, visibility must be reduced to less than one-quarter mile due to the blowing and drifting snow. To make matters worse, temperatures must also be below or just at freezing as well as winds of 35 mph or higher sustained.
It is important to keep an eye on the forecast in order to know when a winter storm is coming and how serious it might get. Pay special attention to potential snow and blizzard warnings, and make sure to be prepared. If the storm turns severe enough to become a blizzard, plan on staying indoors and avoiding driving if possible. No matter how difficult the conditions, being aware of the situation can be critical in staying safe during a blizzard.