Blizzards and Extreme Heat and Cold

1
Blizzards and Extreme Heat and Cold

• Submitted to Mr. Halpin
• Submitted by Kara OKane, Laura Colella, Alyssa
  Thrasher, Emily McIntyre
• Date Submitted April 8, 2005

2
Causes of Blizzards!

• A Blizzard occurs because when a cold air mass
  moves out of the arctic into the temperature
  zone. The heavy cold air rises along the
  boundary between the two air masses. This
  boundary is called a cold front.

3
When and Where do Blizzards Occur?

• Blizzards occur during the winter months
• Blizzards usually come from the North and South
  Poles, and arrive in Western Canada.
• Blizzards are not common in the US and are
  usually very dangerous because they are
  unprepared.
• Falling air pressure is a signal that a blizzard
  might be on the way.
• In order to predict a blizzard there will be snow
  with winds of 30 MPH and temperatures will remain
  below 20 degrees.

4
History of Blizzards

• The following picture indicates the blizzard
  which occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This
  blizzard occurred on Feb 13-14. 62 centimeters
  of snow smothered the province.
• Two of these happened in the same year. The
  Blizzard of 1988 paralyzed the Northeastern
  United States. In this blizzard, 400 people were
  killed, 200 ships were sunk, and snowdrifts
  towered 15 to 50 feet high.
• Earlier that year, the Great Plains states were
  struck by the Schoolhouse Blizzard that left
  children trapped in schoolhouses and killed 235
  people.

5
What to do During a Blizzard!

• MAINTAIN A GOOD SUPPLY OF HEATING FUEL
• ENSURE ANIMALS ARE SHELTERED
• DON'T GO OUTSIDE.
• WAIT OUT THE STORM INDOORS
• BE PREPARED IN CASE OF POWER FAILURE.
• BE ALERT FOR FIRE HAZARDS
• USE CAUTION SHOVELLING
• KEEP AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ON
  HAND

6
Potential for Destruction

• Blizzards have a major effect on transportation,
  leaving many people stranded.
• Blizzards cause many Hazards such as reduced
  visibility making it very hard to drive.
• Blizzards also cause many airports, schools, and
  bridges to close.
• Blizzards can cause major power outages.
• Blizzards cause a lot of damage which leaves the
  city having to pay for it.

7
Super Duper Facts

• Over 3,000 people have died from past Blizzards
• The word blizzard is a modern one of unknown
  origin but it is likely from the surname
  "Blizard." It was first widely used after the
  great American winter storm now known as the
  "Blizzard of 1880 ." Certain types of blizzards
  in the northeastern United States are
  colloquially known as Nor'easters . Some believe
  the origin of the word "blizzard" is from it's
  original use of scattered musket fire.
• In Blizzards winds can exceed up to 60 MPH.
• Visibility is reduced by 0.2KM during a blizzards