- blizzard
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—blizzardy, blizzardly, adj./bliz"euhrd/, n.1. Meteorol.a. a storm with dry, driving snow, strong winds, and intense cold.b. a heavy and prolonged snowstorm covering a wide area.2. an inordinately large amount all at one time; avalanche: a blizzard of Christmas cards.v.i.3. to snow as a blizzard: Looks as though it's going to blizzard tonight.[1820-30, Amer.; earlier: violent blow, shot; cf. Brit. dial. (Midlands) blizzer, blizzom blaze, flash, anything that blinds momentarily; prob. expressive formations with components of BLAST, BLAZE1, BLUSTER, etc.]
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severe weather condition that is distinguished by low temperatures, strong winds, and large quantities of either falling or blowing snow. The U.S. Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with winds of more than 56 km (35 miles) per hour and enough snow to limit visibility to 150 m (500 feet) or less. A severe blizzard has winds of over 72 km (45 miles) per hour, visibility near zero, and temperatures of -12° C (10° F) or lower. A ground blizzard occurs when there is no falling snow, but snow is drifting and blowing near the ground.The name originated in the central United States, where blizzards are brought by northwesterly winds following winter depressions, or low-pressure systems. In the United States and in England, the term is often used for any strong, heavy snowstorm with wind. In Antarctica, blizzards are associated with winds spilling over the edge of the ice plateau at an average velocity of 160 km/h.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
