New Delhi: The US braces for the strongest winter storm Blair this year. According to media reports, more than 60 million people were hit by a massive winter storm in the US. An emergency has been declared in two US states. Snow and ice blanketed major roadways in nearly all of Kansas, and the storm is forecast to move into the Ohio Valley.
But do you know what a winter storm is and what causes it? Let’s find out in this article.
What is a Winter Storm?
A winter storm occurs when strong winds combine with precipitation at freezing temperatures, such as snow, a mix of snow and rain, or freezing rain. These storms can occur in winter, late autumn, and early spring in temperate continental and subarctic climates. A snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility is known as a blizzard.
Terminology
Severe winter weather conditions are called “winter storms”. These can be local weather events lasting 24 hours or large storm systems that cover part of a continent for several days. In the case of big winter storms, the term “storm” can describe the weather in any area covered by extreme conditions, even if every part of that area doesn’t fully meet the definition of a winter storm.
How are winter storms formed?
Winter storms form when moist air rises into the atmosphere, creating low pressure near the ground and clouds above. This air can be pushed upward by hills or mountains, called lifts. The wind gathers moisture from large bodies of water, like lakes or the ocean. If the temperature is below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F) both near the ground and in the clouds, precipitation will fall as snow, sleet (a mix of rain and snow), ice pellets, or graupel (soft hail). Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, so the total precipitation is lower when temperatures are freezing.
Winter storm warnings are issued when:
Snow accumulates to 6 inches or more in 12 hours or 8 inches or more in 24 hours.
Blowing snow reduces visibility in large areas with winds under 35 mph (16 m/s).
Ice accumulates 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) or more on surfaces.
Ice pellets are larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm).
The wind chill index falls below −35 °F (−37 °C) for more than 3 hours with sustained winds of at least 10 mph (4.5 m/s).
Snowstorms have winds over 35 mph (16 m/s) and visibility of less than 0.25 miles (400 m) for 3 hours or longer, called blizzards.
What are the types of Winter Storms?
There are different winter storms, such as snowstorms, blizzards, lake-effect storms, and ice storms. Snowstorms drop snow, while blizzards are snowstorms with strong winds. Lake-effect storms happen near the Great Lakes, while ice storms bring freezing rain or sleet alongside snow.
Snowstorms
A snowstorm is when it snows. In winter, precipitation usually forms as snow because the air in the clouds is cold enough. Snowflakes form when water vapour turns into ice crystals and sticks together. It snows if the air between the clouds and the ground is below 0℃ (32°F). But if it’s warmer, the snow melts into rain or freezing rain.
Blizzards
A blizzard is a severe snowstorm defined by strong winds, not just by the amount of snow. With winds at 56 kph (35 mph) or more, blizzards create blowing snow. The wind picks Snow on the ground, reducing visibility and creating snowdrifts. A blizzard lasts at least three hours and often leads to significant snow accumulation.
Lake Effect Storms
Snowstorms usually form from low-pressure systems that lift moist air, but lake-effect storms differ. They happen when cold, dry air from the north moves over the Great Lakes. This air collects moisture and can lead to heavy snowfall in areas south and east of the lakes.
Ice Storms
An ice storm occurs when ice builds up to 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) on outdoor surfaces. This ice makes roads and walkways slippery, which can be dangerous. Different types of icy weather depend on air temperature. Sleet forms when snowflakes melt in warm air and then freeze into pellets in cold air.
What to Do During a Winter Storm?
Stay Indoors: Stay inside and dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting layers instead of a bulky sweater. Remove layers if you get too warm to avoid sweating and chilling.
Stay Informed: Use a battery-powered radio or TV for emergency updates. If the power is lost, you can still get important information.
Eat and Drink: Eat regularly. Food gives your body the energy it needs to stay warm. And drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Choose warm broth or juices.
Conserve Heat: Save fuel during the storm, which can last several days. Lower your thermostat to 65°F during the day and 55°F at night, and cover windows at night.
What to do when going outside during a winter storm?
Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Layering helps keep you warm. Also, wear tightly woven, water-repellent outer clothing.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold. Avoid deep breaths and minimise talking.
Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite can cause permanent damage, leading to loss of feeling and a pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or earlobes.
Change out of wet clothes quickly to prevent losing body heat. Wet clothes lose their insulation and draw heat away from the body.
Stretch before going outdoors. If you shovel snow, warm up your body first to avoid injury.
Walk carefully on snowy or icy sidewalks to avoid slips and falls, which can cause painful injuries.
How to prepare for a Winter Storm?
Understand wind chill. It happens when the wind makes cold temperatures feel even colder on your skin. When windy, heat leaves your body faster, lowering your temperature. Wind chill shows how cold it feels by combining wind speed and temperature.
Prepare your snow removal equipment before winter storms start. Ensure it’s working well and ready to use.
Keep your car’s gas tank full. This helps in emergencies and prevents the fuel line from freezing.
Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Choose one person to lead winter storm preparations. Have them explain what to do if a watch or warning comes.
What to Do After a Winter Storm?
Listen to local radio, TV stations, or Weather Radio for updates and instructions. Some areas may have limited access, and roads might be blocked.
Help neighbours who need extra assistance. They may require more help during emergencies.
Avoid driving and other travel until it is safe. Snow or emergency vehicles could block roads.
Don’t overexert yourself. Heart attacks from shovelling heavy snow are a common cause of death during winter.
The article explains the formation of winter storms, detailing the role of moist air, freezing temperatures, and various weather phenomena like blizzards and lake-effect snow. Crucially, it provides essential safety advice for staying safe both indoors and when venturing outside during such events. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
