OMG It's a Blizzard! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sustained driving winds and snow

A blizzard is a severe and dangerous cold weather storm with powerful driving winds, blowing or falling snow, and low visibility. Though criteria vary in different countries, generally winds must rage for at least three hours and exceed 35-45 miles per hour (56-72 km). A blizzard is defined by its strong winds rather than its load of snow.

The term is American, originating from about 1770 when it described a violent rainstorm, morphing in the early 1880s to describe a hail of gunfire, and then about 1820-1860 the word was applied to raging winds and snow storms. It can be used about any blinding onslaught, such as a blizzard of words, a blizzard of ice cream, or a blizzard of bombs.

Answer: False

Dry snow or ice loose upon the ground lifted and driven by powerful winds describes a "ground blizzard", common on flat, open plains found in Canada, Siberia and Northern China. Each country has its own criteria, but any ground blizzard is very dangerous.

Visibility is non-existent, winds blow so hard it's exhausting to walk, and wind-driven ice bites the face. So stay indoors or in your parked car. If you are caught outside, you are unlikely to be rescued until visibility clears, so hunker in what shelter you find, build a fire if you can, and call someone with your location. Do not meander around. You could easily get lost, fall through ice or get tangled in a snow-covered electric or barbwire fence. Thundersnow is unusual winter weather in lake-effect areas where thunder and lightning accompany snow fall. Lie in a low hollow, stay in a parked car or, best of all, get indoors.

Answer: Whiteout

Whiteout occurs when snow is falling so fast, and the winds blow so fiercely, all that can be seen is a white blur. Visibility is near zero. On an expanse of flat land the horizon blends with the sky, buildings and trees are snow covered, and chain-reaction car crashes are frequent.

Vidar could easily become lost just feet from his house. If, for some emergency, he must go out he should tie a rope securely to his doorway, and the other end to his waist. He can head directly out, for instance to his barn or car, and then follow the rope back to safety. Sadly many a man has been found post-blizzard, frozen dead within 10 feet (3m) of his home or barn, because he couldn't see as far as his own shoes. It is best to stay indoors, or pull over immediately when driving, during whiteout conditions.

Answer: Seven days

The Iran blizzard covered a vast area in 26 feet (7.9m) of snow and lasted for seven brutal days. Although we hope for a day or two of warning as a blizzard approaches, its exact nature cannot be foretold, so there is always the chance lives will be lost.

It is important to re-supply your pantry, update emergency supplies, set up an emergency generator and battery-operated radio, and let loved ones know where you are. Do not get into your car and try to outrun an oncoming blizzard. But relocating families and friends together in the most solid home nearby, with pooled resources, can work well. Churches and schools sometimes offer shelter. And you may gather with neighbors to help each other shovel snow off your roofs as soon as possible, so they do not collapse under heavy snow.

Answer: Suffering frostbite

Frostbite is a medical condition where flesh tissue is injured by extreme cold. It ranges from first degree (redness and itching called "frostnip") to blisters of the skin (second degree, chilblains) to freezing of the tissues, vessels and nerves of the limbs and face (third and fourth degree), which may lead to amputation of the affected parts. It's worse if clothes are too tight or get wet, or circulation is poor because of constricted position, smoking, drinking, or a health condition.

Do NOT rub or massage the area. Use your own body heat and blankets to warm a victim, or if indoors, immerse the injured area in a warm water bath and call for emergency help. Caution: a warm-water bath of cold extremities can tax the heart, so with vulnerable persons just get professional emergency help fast.

Answer: False

Stay IN the car, pulled to the side, with the engine OFF. Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill all occupants, because the exhaust pipe is easily blocked by slush or snow. Run the engine briefly for heat, with a window cracked open. Cover everyone with clothing, blankets or even plastic. Provide food and water from your emergency kit, and huddle for shared warmth. It's creepy if the car is buried in snow, but that is also shelter from the wind. Tie a red cloth to the antenna, set up flares, and play games with worried occupants.

When it ends, attempt to use a cell phone to call rescuers. Roads may be heavy with snow and clogged with cars, so the family should go with rescuers and get their car later. Unfortunately it's no longer a safe idea to be 'rescued' by strangers.

Answer: Power outage

Although Vidar has stocked up food supplies and his family is safe, strong winds, heavy snow and ice can bring down power lines. This means no TV news, no lights, probably no water or toilet, no cooking, and most importantly, no heat. Vidar was thinking ahead, so he has medications and medical supplies, flashlights and extra batteries, matches, lamps or candles, a can opener, and lots of blankets. Before the storm he filled a dishpan with water, put a bucket of water in the bathroom to use for flushing, and set out fresh water for pets.

He has a small battery-operated heater placed away from curtains and walls, and a battery-operated radio. He also covered drafty windows and doors, so his family remains safely warm and hydrated no matter how severe or long-lasting the blizzard.

Answer: No

While blizzards are rare in Australia's lower lands, they are common in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and Victoria. Weather conditions up in the mountains are often drastically different than the lower elevations. Check ahead for weather conditions as you travel because blizzards happen even in the Texas panhandle and many other places where you might assume they don't.

Avoid the unhappy mistake of heading into the mountains from an ocean beach soaking wet, wearing only your swim suit, and without emergency supplies. If you get up there and encounter a blizzard, take shelter immediately in the first motel. You may be wet, inadequately dressed, dehydrated by ocean salt water, and without food, radio, water or blankets. (Say, what's that ahead? Bates' Motel? Better go in.)

Answer: Wind chill

Wind chill, or wind chill factor, means how cold it feels to a person when winds and cold temperatures combine. Wind chill can make it feel to Vidar's body like it's far below freezing, even when the still air temperature is much warmer. That's because strong winds intensify the loss of heat and moisture from the body, increasing dangers from the cold. Even a low wind chill can cause you frostbite or hypothermia (a drop in core body temperature to where muscle and brain function are impaired).

Infants, anyone in poor health, people accustomed to warm climates, those with little body fat, and people who are dehydrated, smoke cigarettes or have been drinking are more susceptible to wind chill dangers, so these people should take special precautions in these conditions.

Answer: Shoveling snow

Sadly the industrious person who leaps outside after a blizzard to clear the walks and un-bury the car can have a heart attack. Post-blizzard snow is deep, shoveling is difficult, and the cold takes a toll.

Vidar should dress in loose layers, with feet, hands, face and head warmly covered. He must test the snow to see if it is light and powdery or heavy and wet. He should limit his effort, and pay close attention if he gets out of breath, his heart is pounding, or he feels pain anywhere. His cell phone should be close, and someone should know he's out there.

Other dangers include kids burrowing into snow piles which then collapse, slippery ice, and heavy melting icicles that fall and pierce. But sliding in the park hills near your home could be fantastic!