12/15/2023 0 Comments Term for white out blizzardTraveling by automobile can become difficult or even impossible due to "whiteout" conditions and drifting snow. What makes a blizzard dangerous?īlizzards can create life-threatening conditions. ![]() However, these conditions are rarely met due to the infrequency of strong low pressure systems moving through the state. Northern Arizona can experience blizzard conditions when a strong low pressure system moves across southern Arizona and high pressure builds strongly into the Great Basin. However, blizzards can occur in any location that has a climate that experiences snowfall. With few trees or other obstructions to reduce wind and blowing snow, this part of the country is particular vulnerable to blizzards. The upper Midwest and Great Plains of the United States tends to be the region that experiences blizzards most often. By the 1880's, the use of the word blizzard was used by many across the United States and in England. Previously, the term blizzard referred to a canon shot or a volley of musket fire. In the 1870's, an Iowa newspaper used the word "blizzard" to describe a snowstorm. These strong winds pick up available snow from the ground, or blow any snow which is falling, creating very low visibilities and the potential for significant drifting of snow. The difference between the lower pressure in the storm and the higher pressure to the west creates a tight pressure gradient, or difference in pressure between two locations, which in turn results in very strong winds. Officially, the National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm which contains large amounts of snow OR blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours).īlizzard conditions often develop on the northwest side of an intense storm system. Sometimes strong winds pick up snow that has already fallen, creating a ground blizzard. While heavy snowfalls and severe cold often accompany blizzards, they are not required. ![]() ![]() Blizzards are dangerous winter storms that are a combination of blowing snow and wind resulting in very low visibilities.
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