What defines a blizzard?

Before yesterdays snow event, how many times did you hear the media scream “blizzard” at you all week? I’m sorry to say we did not have a blizzard, just a very strong Nor’easter. So how would one classify a true blizzard? Of course blizzards are very dangerous that are combination of blowing snow and wind resulting in very low visibilities. Officially the National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm which contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph mph and visibilities less than a 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours which we did not have. Actually The National Weather Service admitted that the storm would not have blizzard conditions but held back from lifting Blizzard warnings.
Maybe next time go to your nearest DQ to feel the cold and sensation on what a true Blizzard should be.

The Many Faces of March

As the sun moves higher in the sky and towards spring the atmosphere gets much more turbulent as mixing of cold and warm air becomes more apparent. Last weeks 70’s becomes this past weekends single digits with destructive wind gusts over 50 mph and wind chills in the minus teens. As we transition into the week there will be a few days in 50’s and 60’s but it will come to an abrupt end as snow will be in the forecast for Friday, Sunday and possibly next Tuesday. Any St Patricks Day Parades may be in jeopardy this weekend. Mother Nature is making up for near record warmth this past January and February. Remember February had a couple of days in the 70’s and there was a violent tornado near Greenfield, Massachusetts. First ever recored tornado for February.
Keep the warm apparel and shovels nearby for the next week or so.
Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour this Saturday night as daylight savings time officially begins giving all more evening sunlight. Finally.