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Understanding winter weather: snowstorm and their varieties

A severe winter storm, along with heavy snowfall, affected Sonamarg health resort and other areas of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir

By Ground report 20 Feb 2024

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Understanding winter weather: snowstorm and their varieties

A severe winter storm, along with heavy snowfall, affected Sonamarg health resort and other areas of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The tourist destination was buried under more than 4 feet of snow because of the storm and the snowfall. The snow cut off the Gagengar-Sonamarg Road and prevented the traffic from going beyond Gagengar village.

What is a Snowstorm?

Snowstorm is the name for a storm that produces snow as precipitation. In the winter, the temperature at the top of the storm is low enough to make precipitation form as snowflakes in the clouds. Snowflakes are made of frozen ice crystals that come together as water vapor turns into water droplets and freezes.

These ice crystals join together as they drop to the ground, making snowflakes. The precipitation will fall as snow if the air temperature stays at or below 0℃ (32°F) from the cloud to the ground. The precipitation will turn into rain or freezing rain if the air near the ground is warmer than freezing.

A snow flurry is a snowstorm that does not leave more than a thin layer of snow. A snow shower is a short snowstorm that has snow falling at different rates and leaves some snow. They are called snow squalls if the snow showers have strong winds and lots of snow. A blizzard is a very bad type of snowstorm and is explained more below.

Types of Winter storm

Snowstorms

A snowstorm is a storm that produces snow as precipitation. In the winter, the temperature at the top of the storm is low enough to make precipitation form as snowflakes in the clouds. Snowflakes are made of frozen ice crystals that come together as water vapor turns into water droplets and freezes.

Blizzards

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm that has very strong winds and not much snow. The winds are at least 56 kph (35 mph) and they blow the snow on the ground, making it hard to see and making snowdrifts. A blizzard goes on for three or more hours and often makes a lot of snow, either as new snow or as moving old snow.

Lake Effect Storms Most snowstorms happen because of low-pressure systems that make moist air go up in the air, but lake effect storms happen because of the moisture from the Great Lakes. When cold, dry air from the north goes over the Great Lakes area, it gets a lot of water vapor, which turns into water and falls to the ground as heavy snowstorms in the areas south and east of the lakes.

Ice Storms

An ice storm is a winter storm that leaves at least 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) of ice on everything outside. The ice makes a slippery layer on the ground that can cause accidents for drivers and pedestrians and can break branches and powerlines because of the ice’s weight. The kind of icy winter weather depends on the temperature of the air in the storm.

Sleet happens when the snowflakes that drop to the surface go through a layer of air that is warmer than freezing, which makes the snowflakes melt a bit, and then go through a layer of air that is colder than freezing, which makes the snowflakes freeze again into balls of ice.

Freezing rain is similar to sleet, but it happens when the precipitation (either rain or snow) goes through a layer of warm air, which turns it into rain, and then through a layer of very cold air. This time, the rain does not freeze as it

What’s difference between a Snowstorm and a Blizzard?

A snowstorm and a blizzard are both storms that involve snow, but they have different criteria and effects. A snowstorm is a general term that can refer to any storm that produces snow, regardless of the amount, duration, or wind speed.

A blizzard is a specific type of snowstorm that has very strong winds and very low visibility for a prolonged period. A blizzard can be more dangerous and damaging than a snowstorm, as it can create whiteout conditions, wind chill, and snow drifts.

Winter Weather Safety

Prepare for winter weather hazards by staying informed about local forecasts and weather alerts. The National Weather Service issues warnings, watches, and advisories for various winter storms, including snowstorms, blizzards, and ice storms.

Winter Weather Warning: Take immediate action if issued, as severe winter conditions are expected, including heavy snow or ice, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.
Winter Weather Watch: Be prepared for potential severe weather, including heavy snow or ice, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.
Winter Weather Advisory: Exercise caution as winter weather is expected but not severe enough to warrant a warning. Be mindful of travel and outdoor exposure.