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by: chabrail Jones, Sophie Ilunga. blizzard. Definition of a blizzard. A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds of at least 56 km/h (35 mph) and lasting for a prolonged period of time — typically three hours or more.
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by: chabrail Jones, Sophie Ilunga blizzard
Definition of a blizzard • A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds of at least 56 km/h (35 mph) and lasting for a prolonged period of time — typically three hours or more. • a strong bitterly cold wind accompanied by a widespread heavy snowfall. • A severe blizzard has winds over 72 km/h (45 mph), near zero visibility, and temperatures of −12 °C (10 °F) or lower. • A ground blizzard is a weather condition where snow is not falling but loose snow on the ground is lifted and blown by strong winds.
Conditions Necessary for a blizzard -the national weather service defines blizzards as; -large amount of falling snow. -large amount of blowing snow. -the wind speed at least 35 mph. -the visibilities of less than ¼ mile for an extended period of time( 3 hours or more). -when these conditions are expected the national weather center issues a “blizzard warning” usually.
How a blizzard Happens • A blizzard happens when there are a lot of snows and there is a wind of about 35 mph or more. • Technically the thing that actually creates blizzards are the winds that happens after or during a snow storm that usually goes on for an hours.
How the blizzard Affects Humans • Injuries associated with snow-removal (Back problems and heart attacks while shoveling; amputated fingers while blowing snow) • Utility interruptions • Roof cave-ins • Homebound children. • If you have nowhere to take cover, you can be engulfed by blizzards and possibly die. • Death and mainly delays for people. For one it may delay air travel, taxi cabs and many more transportation • People can be inside of there houses without heat and then they die because of heat they do not have. • Thick, snowy winds during blizzards make it very difficult for people to see for at least a quarter mile at a stretch. The low air pressures and temperatures also can cause breathing difficulties, hypothermia and frostbite. Depending on severity, blizzards can cause large scale destruction to lives and property. Food and water scarcity needs to be dealt with as well. The snow deposited after a blizzard can be extremely hard to plow away disrupting travel and traffic for days together. In order to adapt to blizzards, people of the blizzard country (build sloping roofs for their houses to allow the snow to fall off without accumulating on top of houses.
Safety and Preparations for a blizzard • 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. • Automobiles should be checked out by a mechanic • During daylight is important as nighttime can make it difficult to see ice on the roadways. It is dangerous to travel alone thus it is important to have a family member or friend ride along during the trip. Warm clothing including loose fitting, layered, light weight clothing should be worn if traveling during storm conditions to stay warm but to easily move as well. Food and water are also important to have in the vehicle when traveling in this season in case you get stuck in your car for a period of time. Make sure you have a windshield scraper with a small broom in the car during the winter months for ice and snow removal.
Sources • How do blizzards effect peoples lives • wiki.answers.com • http://www.ehow.com/info_8245842_effects-other-living-things-earth.html • http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Atmosphere/blizzard_safety.html • http://www.ussartf.org/blizzards.htm