Snowstorm comes with severe snowfall and strong current of air. Having a density lower than that of liquid water, five centimeters of snowfall causes much more damage than that created by rainfall of same quantity. Snowstorms are very common in the northwestern part of the United States. It mostly happens during the winter season.

Creation of Snowstorm

Snowstorm breaks out when chilled air clashes with warm and humid air blowing from the opposite direction. The resulting air mass can grow to a huge size with an approximate diameter of 1000 kilometers and above. Severity of snowstorms varies with atmospheric temperature and air pressure. Massive snowstorm accompanied by powerful current of air is described as blizzard. In mid-1990s the cooler regions of the United States experienced many such blizzards.

Features of Snowstorm

• Powerful snowstorms can cause huge damage to property. However snowstorms are less harmful than ice storms.

• If snowstorm continues for a long period of time at a stretch it forms avalanches and cornices.

• If the snow carpet created by snowstorm suddenly melts it causes spring flooding.

• Snowstorm creates frostbite on uncovered parts of body. A number of car accidents happen immediately after snowstorm due to skidding on slippery roads.

• Unlike other severe weather conditions, human death is not common with snowstorms. However digging of wet snow following a snowstorm sometimes cause heart attack due to excessive physical stress.

• Sizes and shapes of snowflakes can change on the course of snowstorm. Rate of snowfall depends on the severity and velocity of air current.