| BLIZZARDS | |
| Although the term blizzard is used loosly for any severe storm, a blizzard is offically defined as a snow storm with winds greater than 35 miles per hour and temperatures below 20°F. If wind speeds reach 45 miles per hour and the temperature drops to 10°F, the blizzard is classified as severe. So much snow is blown about in a blizzard that visibility is often reduced to 0. And in the storm's aftermath, the countryside is often trapped beneath enormous snow drifts.
Blizzards start when freezing polar air meets warm, moist tropical air. Along this meeting line, strong winds begin to blow and snow falls heavily. Blizzards often happen after a period of unusually warm winter weather. |  |
| FUN-FACT: Blizzards that strike in Antarctica are deadly, sometimes having hurricane force winds. | |
| SAFETY | |
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