Reading Comprehension · Earth Science
Blizzards
A reading lesson about blizzards — how they form, the winter weather advisories, watches and warnings, and how different regions of the United States experience snow.
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Subject
Reading Comprehension
Grade Level
Grades 4–7
Format
Lesson + Printable PDF
Access
Full Member
What Is a Blizzard?
Winter brings snow to many parts of the United States. Winter storms can be quite dangerous. If massive amounts of snow fall at one time, this is called a blizzard. All that snow can cause roads to become blocked, and sometimes power lines fall down.
Many different elements occur during a blizzard. Freezing rain happens when it rains and the temperature is so cold that the rain freezes when it hits the ground. Sleet is rain that turns to ice before it hits the ground — it can look slushy but makes roads very slippery. Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are three of the most dangerous parts of winter weather.
When watching the weather forecast in winter, you may hear about watches and warnings. The first sign of a blizzard is usually the winter weather advisory, which is followed by a winter storm watch. Once the storm arrives, a winter storm warning is issued, and if conditions become severe, a blizzard warning is issued.
Blizzards Across the United States
Meteorologists are scientists who study patterns of weather. They divide the country into five regions based on temperature and snowfall. The Mid-Atlantic to New England area is known for storms called Nor’easters — low-pressure systems that strengthen as they move north and bring heavy snow and ice.
The Gulf Coast and Southeast rarely see snow because temperatures stay warmer. When cold weather does reach Texas or Florida, it can damage crops and surprise drivers who are not used to snow. The Midwest and Plains often get blizzards fueled by cold Canadian air and lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes.
Storms in the Rockies and on the West Coast can produce dangerous avalanches in the mountains and bring high winds reaching 100 miles per hour. Alaska faces some of the most extreme conditions of all — bitter cold, heavy snow, and blizzards that can last for weeks at a time.
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