BLIZZARD

also called Buran, Burga, or Purga, severe weather condition that is distinguished by low temperatures, strong winds, and large quantities of snow. The U.S. Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with winds of more than 51 km (32 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/h, visibility near zero, and temperatures of -12 C (10 F) or lower. 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 commonly used for any strong, heavy snowstorm. In Antarctica, blizzards are associated with winds spilling over the edge of the ice plateau at an average velocity of 160 km/h.