Natural Disaster: Blizzards — Passage and Quiz

Blizzards are severe winter storms characterized by strong winds and heavy snow. To be classified as a blizzard, a storm must have winds of at least 35 miles per hour and last for at least three hours. The blowing snow often reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile, creating whiteout conditions.

These storms can be extremely dangerous. The combination of cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snow can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. Blizzards can also strand travelers, knock out power lines, and make roads impassable.

Blizzards are most common in the Midwest and Northeast United States, as well as in Canada and other cold regions. They typically occur when warm air rises over cold air, creating the perfect conditions for snow formation. The strong winds are often caused by significant differences in air pressure over a short distance.

To stay safe during a blizzard, it's important to stay indoors, keep warm, and have emergency supplies on hand. If you must travel, it's crucial to have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Weather forecasters use advanced technology to predict blizzards, allowing people to prepare before the storm hits.