Blizzard
Blizzard
Blizzard (/ˈblɪzərd/) is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds of at least 35 mph (56 km/h) and lasting for a prolonged period of time—typically three hours or more.
Etymology
The term "blizzard" comes from the word "blizz", first used in the 18th century to describe a cannon shot or a volley of musket fire. By the 1870s, the term was used to describe a snowstorm of extreme proportions.
Definition
A blizzard is a severe weather condition characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snow. The difference between a blizzard and a snowstorm is the strength of the wind. To be a blizzard, a snowstorm must have sustained winds or frequent gusts that are greater than or equal to 56 km/h (35 mph) with blowing or drifting snow which reduces visibility to 400 m or 0.25 mi or less and must last for a prolonged period of time—typically three hours or more.
Related Terms
- Snowstorm: A storm where large amounts of snow fall. Snowstorms are usually less severe than blizzards and are marked by less wind and shorter duration.
- Whiteout (weather): A weather condition in which visibility and contrast are severely reduced by snow or sand. The horizon disappears completely and there are no reference points at all, leaving the individual with a distorted orientation.
- Winter storm: A meteorological event in which varieties of precipitation are formed that only occur at low temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm where ground temperatures are low enough to allow ice to form (i.e. freezing rain).
- Ice storm: A type of winter storm characterized by freezing rain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blizzard
- Wikipedia's article - Blizzard
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