A blizzard can occur suddenly during a severe winter storm, with sustained winds of over 35 mph, near-zero visibility, and heavy snow. It is dangerous to venture outdoors, and staying indoors is recommended. If shelter is needed, seek it in sturdy buildings or plowed snowdrifts. Prepare for the aftermath by having alternative light sources, filling water jugs and bathtubs, and considering alternative heating sources. Snow removal should be done with caution, and it may take time for public services to return to normal.
Depending on the weather conditions, any severe winter storm can suddenly turn into a blizzard without much warning. These conditions include sustained winds of over 35 mph (about 50 km/h), near-zero visibility, and extremely heavy snow. It’s not uncommon for people to venture outdoors during a severe winter storm, only to get bogged down in an unexpected blizzard. Traveling in such conditions is often dangerous or simply impossible. City-sponsored snow crews rarely attempt to salt or plow the roads at such times, and power outages are common.
In an ideal world, surviving a blizzard should mean turning on a thermostat, finding a favorite book or movie, and watching the weather report from the safety of your own home. Most modern homes are built to withstand such conditions, so homeowners should heed official weather advisories and stay indoors if such weather is possible. Children and pets should be kept indoors for their safety. There are very few things that warrant a visit outdoors during this type of weather. Vehicles and outbuildings may sustain damage during the storm, but any inspections can wait.
If you can’t stay indoors in a heated building, then you’ll have to find other ways to survive. Your first concern should be finding shelter, as high winds can drop the wind chill factor far below zero. Sturdy shelter should help protect the skin from freezing and keep the overall air temperature bearable. If you’re in a city when the storm hits, seek shelter in stores, bus stops, or even plowed snowdrifts.
A blizzard can last for several hours, so spend that time preparing for the aftermath. Look for an alternative light source, such as flashlights or emergency candles. Turn on a battery-powered radio to get weather alerts and news updates.
If the water supply hasn’t been damaged, fill the water jugs and bathtub for emergencies. You may not be able to get to a grocery store for several days after a heavy snowstorm. If the electricity goes out, store perishable foods in snow-filled refrigerators or even outdoors in a protected area.
Homeowners who live in blizzard-prone areas may want to consider investing in kerosene stoves or wood stoves for alternative heating. If a thunderstorm cuts off your gas and electric utilities, temperatures inside your home can drop significantly within 24 hours. For your safety and comfort, makeshift accommodation around an alternative heat source may be necessary. Be sure to maintain adequate ventilation when using kerosene or wood stoves.
Snow removal after the storm may seem like a priority, but use extreme caution. Digging a path for the road or a vehicle can be very stressful, so work in stages or recruit skilled assistants. After a heavy blizzard, don’t expect all the public services like mail delivery or road plowing to return quickly.
Before attempting to purchase any supplies, make an effort to contact the stores regarding their status. Otherwise, you may be driving treacherous or hiking for no reason. Local media may announce store openings or service reactivations, so listen to these reports often.
Surviving a big blizzard is like surviving a big hurricane or tornado. Stay indoors during the event itself, avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve, then inspect your property for any signs of damage.
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