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Winter storms derive their energy from the clash of two air masses of different temperatures and moisture levels. Winter storms usually form when an air mass of cold, dry, Canadian air moves south and interacts with a warm, moist air mass moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. The point where these two air masses meet is called a front. If cold air advances and pushes away the warm air, it forms a cold front. When warm air advances, it rides up over the denser, cold air mass to form a warm front. If neither air mass advances, it forms a stationary front.
 * How do winter storms form?**

[] **Winter Storms**
 * If caught outside in a blizzard, it is not a good idea to eat snow because it will lower your body temperature. It’s best to melt the snow first.
 * A blizzard is a severe snowstorm usually accompanied by high winds, blowing snow and very cold temperatures.

**How do winter storms form?** Winter storms derive their energy from the clash of two air masses of different temperatures and moisture levels. Winter storms usually form when an air mass of cold, dry, Canadian air moves south and interacts with a warm, moist air mass moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. The point where these two air masses meet is called a front. If cold air advances and pushes away the warm air, it forms a cold front. When warm air advances, it rides up over the denser, cold air mass to form a warm front. If neither air mass advances, it forms a stationary front.

**What is freezing rain?**

Freezing rain is just rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.



**Click Here** to see what winter is like where you live.

**How is snow formed?** Snow is commonly formed when water vapor undergoes deposition, which is when water vapor changes directly to ice without first becoming a liquid, high in the atmosphere at a temperature of less than 32°F and then falls to the ground. **Why is snow white?**

Bright snow blinds us with its gleaming white color because it reflects beams of white light. Instead of absorbing light, snow's complex structure prevents the light from shining through its lattice formation. A beam of white sunlight entering a snow bank is so quickly scattered by a zillion ice crystals and air pockets that most of the light comes bouncing right back out of the snow bank. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed equally over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance. So while many natural objects get their blue, red, and yellow colors from absorbing light, snow is stuck with its white color because it reflects light.



**What is frost?**

Frost is white ice crystals that form on a surface, like the ground or leaves of a plant. Frost is created when the air temperature drops below freezing and the water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals.

The wind chill is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. The higher the wind speed the faster exposed areas of your body lose heat and the colder you feel.



**How do blizzards form?** A blizzard is a long-lasting snowstorm with very strong winds and intense snowfall. You need three things to have a blizzard; cold air at the surface, lots of moisture, and lift. Warm air must rise over cold air. An Alberta clipper is an area of low pressure that generally forms over Alberta, Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. They develop east of the Rockies because air flowing eastward over the mountains creates favorable conditions. Once an Alberta Clipper forms it usually moves very rapidly to the southeast across the USA's northern Plains and then to the east off the mid-Atlantic Coast. Clippers usually cause only light precipitation with very few producing major snowstorms. However, if conditions are favorable, some Alberta clippers can rapidly intensify off the East Coast once the storm taps the relatively warm moist air over the Atlantic Ocean. The storms that rapidly intensify sometimes spread heavy snow over New England and southeastern Canada. Generally, the main weather features associated with Alberta clippers are some light snow and a reinforcement of cold air over the USA. Blizzards can strand cars on highways for hours or even days. When you are traveling during the winter months, be sure to have first aid kits 2. When a blizzard occurs it makes driving or walking very dangerous, because the whiteout conditions make it difficult to see. 3. The National Weather Service defines blizzards as large amounts of falling or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than ¼ of a mile for a period of more than 3 hours. 4. Blizzards also create a wind chill effect that can be dangerous. The blowing winds and low temperature can cause frostbite and/or hyperthermia. 5. Blizzards that occur on the East Coast of the United States are known as Nor’easters. Because of the Atlantic Ocean, the storm stalls over the coast and can sometimes last for 24 hours dumping huge amounts of snow over the area. 6. Never eat frozen snow because it lowers the body temperature. 7. If you are ever caught in a car during a blizzard, it is best to stay with the car. Many people have walked in circles, because they couldn’t see where they were going in the blinding snow. 8. In 1888, two legendary storms occurred. The Schoolhouse Blizzard occurred across the Great Plains, stranding children in their schoolhouses. About 235 people died in this blizzard. Many of those were children that tried to walk home from school. 9. The other blizzard that occurred is known as the Great Blizzard of 1888. New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut were hit with 40 to 50 inches of snow. The area was paralyzed and people were caught in their homes for up to a week. Over thirty people lost their lives in that storm. 10. If you are located in an area where blizzards occur, you should make sure you have extra food and supplies. You should also have a radio Moisture is needed to form clouds and precipitation. Moisture in the air is called water vapor. Air blowing across a body of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of water vapor. As wind moves air over the water, some water evaporates from the surface, putting vapor into the air. This is how “lake effect snowstorms” and “Nor’easters” pick up so much moisture. However, cold air is not able to hold much water vapor. In fact, very cold air does not make very much snow. with extra batteries, candles, a cell phone and lots of blankets. You should also plan on staying inside. Many times, children playing right outside of their homes have gotten lost in the blinding snow. Warm, rising air is needed to form clouds and cause precipitation. For a blizzard to form, warm air must rise over cold air. There are two ways that this may happen. Winds pull cold air toward the equator from the poles and bring warm air toward the poles from the equator. When warm air and cold air are brought together, a front is formed and precipitation occurs. Warm air can also rise to form clouds and blizzard snows as it flows up a mountainside. **Other Icy Precipitation** //Snow is not the only type of ice that falls from the sky! Other types are described below.// Snowflakes are made of ice crystals. Each snowflake is made of as many as 200 ice crystals. Some snow crystals are symmetrical, like the type that you cut from paper. They form a hexagonal shape because that is how water molecules organize themselves as they freeze. Others are small and irregularly shaped. If they spin like tops as they fall to the ground, they may be perfectly symmetrical when they hit the Earth. But if they fall sideways, they will end up lopsided. Even though most have a hexagonal structure, there are so many ways that water molecules can arrange themselves as the water freezes, that some people say that there are no two snowflakes alike. Probably no two snowflakes have exactly the same arrangement of molecules. But they can look alike. Many snow crystals are like the two in the photograph below. They are simple in shape and look alike. **How Snowflakes Form** Snowflakes form in clouds where the temperature is below freezing (0ºC, or 32ºF). The ice crystals form around tiny bits of dirt that have been carried up into the atmosphere by the wind. As the snow crystals grow, they become heavier and fall toward Earth. Different types of snowflakes form in different conditions. Temperature determines if the crystals become a flat plate, a long column, or a prism shape. On average, 10 inches of snow melt down to about an inch of water; however, not all snow is the same. Some places receive very heavy snow. For instance, only five and a half inches of January snow on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, melt down to an inch of water. In contrast, over 15 inches of January snow at Crested Butte, Colorado, melt down to an inch of water. n and water droplets freeze on them. =How Do Blizzards Form? =  **Three things are needed to make a blizzard.**  > **1. Cold air (below freezing) is needed to make snow.**For snow to fall to the ground, the temperature must be cold both up in the clouds where snowflakes form, and down at ground level. If the air near ground level is too warm, the snow will melt on its way down, changing to rain or freezing rain ||  ||   || ||
 * What is an Alberta Clipper?**
 * 1. A blizzard is a severe snowstorm that usually has very cold temperatures and high winds. These two conditions create blowing snow.
 * Graupel:** Snowflakes that have become encrusted with ice. This happens when snowflakes pass through a chilly cloud on their way dow
 * Ice pellets:** Frozen raindrops, also known as sleet. They are usually quite small in size and unlike snowflakes, do not have a crystal shape.
 * Hail:** A frozen raindrop or graupel that is kept from falling to the ground by the upward flowing air of a thunderstorm. The more droplets that freeze onto the hailstone, the longer the hailstone spends in the sky. When it finally grows too heavy to be held up by the flowing air, it falls to the ground like those in the picture to the right.

**What is an ice storm?** An ice storm is a type of winter storm caused by freezing rain. The U.S. National Weather Service defines an ice storm as a storm which results in the accumulation of at least 0.25-inch of ice on exposed surfaces.

**How do ice storms form?** Ice storms form when a layer of warm air is between two layers of cold air. Frozen precipitation melts while falling into the warm air layer, and then proceeds to refreeze in the cold layer above the ground. This creates freezing rain or a glaze of ice.

**What is frost?** Frost is white ice crystals that form on a surface, like the ground or leaves of a plant. Frost is created when the air temperature drops below freezing and the water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals.

**How is lake-effect snow formed?** As the cold air flows over the warm lake water, the relatively warm water heats the air's bottom layer as lake moisture evaporates into the cold air. Since warm air is lighter or less dense than cold air, the heated air rises and begins to cool. As the air cools, the moisture that evaporated into it condenses and forms clouds and snow begins falling from the cloud if the air is humid enough. (Graphic Credit: USA TODAY.) air. **Winter Storms** **How do winter storms form?** Winter storms derive their energy from the clash of two air masses of different temperatures and moisture levels. Winter storms usually form when an air mass of cold, dry, Canadian air moves south and interacts with a warm, moist air mass moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. The point where these two air masses meet is called a front. If cold air advances and pushes away the warm air, it forms a cold front. When warm air advances, it rides up over the denser, cold air mass to form a warm front. If neither air mass advances, it forms a stationary front. **Click Here** to see what winter is like where you live. **How is snow formed?** Snow is commonly formed when water vapor undergoes deposition, which is when water vapor changes directly to ice without first becoming a liquid, high in the atmosphere at a temperature of less than 32°F and then falls to the ground. **How do blizzards form?** A blizzard is a long-lasting snowstorm with very strong winds and intense snowfall. You need three things to have a blizzard; cold air at the surface, lots of moisture, and lift. Warm air must rise over cold air. Blizzards can strand cars on highways for hours or even days. When you are traveling during the winter months, be sure to have first aid kits in the vehicle with you. **What are snowflakes?** Snowflakes are made of ice crystals. Each snowflake is six-sided and made of as many as 200 ice crystals. Snowflakes form in clouds where the temperature is below freezing. The ice crystals form around tiny bits of dirt that has been carried up into the atmosphere by the wind. As the snow crystals grow, they become heavier and fall toward the ground. **Why is snow white?** Bright snow blinds us with its gleaming white color because it reflects beams of white light. Instead of absorbing light, snow's complex structure prevents the light from shining through its lattice formation. A beam of white sunlight entering a snow bank is so quickly scattered by a zillion ice crystals and air pockets that most of the light comes bouncing right back out of the snow bank. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed equally over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance. So while many natural objects get their blue, red, and yellow colors from absorbing light, snow is stuck with its white color because it reflects light. **What is sleet?** Sleet is just rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. **What is freezing rain?** Freezing rain is just rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard. **What is an ice storm?** An ice storm is a type of winter storm caused by freezing rain. The U.S. National Weather Service defines an ice storm as a storm which results in the accumulation of at least 0.25-inch of ice on exposed surfaces. **How do ice storms form?** Ice storms form when a layer of warm air is between two layers of cold air. Frozen precipitation melts while falling into the warm air layer, and then proceeds to refreeze in the cold layer above the ground. This creates freezing rain or a glaze of ice. **What is frost?** Frost is white ice crystals that form on a surface, like the ground or leaves of a plant. Frost is created when the air temperature drops below freezing and the water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals. **How is lake-effect snow formed?** As the cold air flows over the warm lake water, the relatively warm water heats the air's bottom layer as lake moisture evaporates into the cold air. Since warm air is lighter or less dense than cold air, the heated air rises and begins to cool. As the air cools, the moisture that evaporated into it condenses and forms clouds and snow begins falling from the cloud if the air is humid enough. (Graphic Credit: USA TODAY.) || ||  ||
 * [[image:http://www.weatherwizkids.com/lake-effect_snow1.gif width="173" height="120" align="absMiddle" caption="Lake-Effect Snow"]] || [[image:http://www.weatherwizkids.com/lake-effect_snow2.gif width="127" height="120" align="absMiddle" caption="Lake-Effect Snow"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.weatherwizkids.com/one.gif width="51" height="27" align="absMiddle" caption="One"]] Cold air moves over warm water and is warmed from below. Moisture evaporates in the
 * [[image:http://www.weatherwizkids.com/one.gif width="51" height="27" align="absMiddle" caption="One"]] Cold air moves over warm water and is warmed from below. Moisture evaporates in the air. || [[image:http://www.weatherwizkids.com/two.gif width="43" height="27" align="absMiddle" caption="Two"]] Warm moist air rises downwind of lakes and forms heavy snow. ||

**What is a Nor'easter?** Nor'easters can occur in the eastern United States any time between October and April, when moisture and cold air are plentiful. A Nor'easter is named for the winds that blow in from the northeast and drive the storm up the east coast along the Gulf Stream, a band of warm water that lies off the Atlantic coast. They are known for dumping heavy amounts of rain and snow, producing hurricane-force winds, and creating high surfs that cause severe beach erosion and coastal flooding.

**What is an Alberta Clipper?** An Alberta clipper is an area of low pressure that generally forms over Alberta, Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. They develop east of the Rockies because air flowing eastward over the mountains creates favorable conditions. Once an Alberta Clipper forms it usually moves very rapidly to the southeast across the USA's northern Plains and then to the east off the mid-Atlantic Coast. Clippers usually cause only light precipitation with very few producing major snowstorms. However, if conditions are favorable, some Alberta clippers can rapidly intensify off the East Coast once the storm taps the relatively warm moist air over the Atlantic Ocean. The storms that rapidly intensify sometimes spread heavy snow over New England and southeastern Canada. Generally, the main weather features associated with Alberta clippers are some light snow and a reinforcement of cold air over the USA.

**What is Wind Chill?** The wind chill is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. The higher the wind speed the faster exposed areas of your body lose heat and the colder you feel. **[|Click Here]** to calculate the Wind Chill.

**What is frostbite?** Frostbite is damage to the skin due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, usually below 32° F.

**What is an avalanche?** An avalanche is a moving mass of snow that may contain ice, soil, rocks, and uprooted trees. The height of a mountain, the steepness of its slope, and the type of snow lying on it all help determine the likelihood of an avalanche. Avalanches begin when an unstable mass of snow breaks away from a mountainside and moves downhill. The growing river of snow picks up speed as it rushes down the mountain. Avalanches have been known to reach speeds of 245 miles an hour (394 kilometers per hour)—about four times as fast as the speediest downhill skier. **[|Click Here]** to learn more about Avalanche Saftey.

**Know the Lingo ** **WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES** - Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations. **WINTER STORM WATCH** - Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm. **WINTER STORM WARNING** - Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected. **BLIZZARD WARNING** - Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below 1/4 mile. These conditions should persist for 3 hours. **FROST/FREEZE WARNING** - Issued when below freezing temperatures are expected. **LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY** - Issued when accumulation of lake effect snow will cause significant inconvenience. **LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING** - Issued when heavy lake effect snow is occurring. **WIND CHILL ADVISORY** - Issued when the wind chill temperature is forecast to be between -15°F to -24°F. **WIND CHILL WARNING** - Issued when the wind chill temperature is forecast to be -25°F or lower. **Click Here** to see if there are any active warnings in your area.

**Winter Storm Safety Tips ** **BEFORE A WINTER STORM:** Have a disaster plan and prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, and blankets. Don't forget, be aware of changing weather.

**DURING A WINTER STORM:** Stay indoors and dress warmly. Eat regularly, because food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Also, drink lots of water. If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens and a hat. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Remember to keep dry. Always change wet clothing to prevent the loss of body heat. If you must drive, carry a cell phone. Always, keep the gas tank full. Don't forget, let someone know where you’re going, just in case your car gets stuck. If you’re car gets stuck, stay with it and wait for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. Use maps and car mats to stay warm. . **AFTER A WINTER STORM:** Avoid driving until conditions have improved. Avoid overexertion! Heart attacks from shoveling snow are the leading cause of deaths during the winter. Also, check on neighbors to make sure they're okay A blizzard is a sever snowstorm usually accompanied by high winds, blowing snow and very cold temperatures. Some blizzards can dump large amount of heavy snow. In March 2003, Denver, CO was hit by a blizzard that dropped as much as three feet of heavy, wet snow. The snow was so heavy that roofs collapsed on hundreds of homes and businesses
 * [[image:http://www.weatherwizkids.com/two.gif width="43" height="27" align="absMiddle" caption="Two"]] Warm moist air rises downwind of lakes and forms heavy snow. ||