The current winter season in North Conway has certainly been filled with cold and snowy weather. In fact, North Conway has received so much snow that the region is within 5 inches of surpassing last season's total of 66 inches. If you enjoy the abundant amount of snow, you can thank Mother Nature, who recently produced two storms with blizzard conditions within two weeks of each other. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour with sustained winds of 35 MPH occurred during these winter storms. This scenario is just one example of nature's most powerful winter weather event, the blizzard.
Being one of the most anticipated and deadly storms known to mankind, the blizzard affects New England quite often because of the regions mid-latitude location. A blizzard often forms when a cold core low-pressure system moves southward into the northeastern United States. This low-pressure is a storm that maintains the coldest temperature at the center of its circulation. Eventually, the system taps into warm, Gulf of Mexico moisture that aids to form a strong upper level wind. Due to this wind, overrunning occurs (light, warm air traveling over cold, dense air) creating heavy precipitation. The presence of a nearby high pressure system and the forming winter storm creates a strong pressure gradient, which in turn produces the blizzard's wind.
Like many weather systems, the intensity of a blizzard can greatly vary. Its strength depends upon the amount of moisture pulled from the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the velocity of wind on the surface and upper level of the atmosphere. According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions occur when 35 MPH winds create life-threatening temperatures, drifting snow, and near zero visibility. With this in mind, it is interesting and important to note that a storm does not have to be present for blizzard conditions to occur. When a storm is present, blizzards can produce upwards of three to four feet of snow.
The strongest winter storms of all-time in the northeastern United States were not only blizzards, but also Nor'easters. What were two of these notable storms? During 1888, The Great White Hurricane pounded much of the region as New York and New Jersey became covered with 40 inches of snow and much of New England was pounded with 50 inches of snow. Virtually no storm has matched that amount of snow through the present day. During March 1993, a mammoth blizzard produced upwards of 3 feet of snow across the eastern United States with significant storm surge, wind, as well as record cold.
The best way to keep yourself safe during a blizzard is not to travel. It is also important to have a disaster kit available, which includes blankets, food, water, batteries, flashlights, and other essentials. Aside from any negative aspects that a blizzard may produce, my ultimate suggestion is that you set aside time to enjoy the beauty that the storm produces during and after its duration.