What are Blizzards?

A blizzard is a blinding snowstorm with strong winds of 35 miles or more per hour. The temperature can be as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and visibility less than 500 feet for at least three hours or more in a row. Severe blizzards have 45 miles per hour winds or more with temperature less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit and zero visibility.

How do Blizzards form?

Cold air blows out of the arctic, into a mass of warm air called the Temperate Zone and forces the warm air up. This produces a snowstorm with cold north winds. This usually happens after unusually warm weather in winter.

Where do Blizzards form?

Blizzards form in the Great Plains of the U.S., in eastern and central Canada, and in Russia.

Safety Tips

Over exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. If you are exposed to long periods and seem to get hypothermia, try to stay very warm. Go to a hospital as soon as possible. If you have frostbite put the part that is frostbitten under WARM water, NOT HOT! Exposure to hot water after frostbite will lead to a worse  scenario. Another thing you can do is prepare a blizzard safety kit. Some items that you can put in it are: 1. A full change of clothes and a blanket or sleeping bag per person. 2. A first-aid kit and any medications a member of your family usually takes. 3. A portable radio. 4. A flashlight. 5.  Extra batteries that fit the electronic items in your kit. 6. An extra set of car keys. 7. Any extra things older, disabled, or young members of your family need. 8. A knife. 9. A large empty can with a tight fitting lid and toilet paper. 10. A waterproof pack of matches(this can be used to start a portable stove or to melt ice or snow for water). 11. A sack of sand to put under any wheels that might slide down icy hills. 12. A tow rope. 13. A tool kit. 14. Booster cables. 15. A compass and road maps. 16. Windshield scraper and brush. 17. A container of water.