Blizzards

Blizzards the most violent of the winter storms, are characterized by low temperatures, usually below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by strong winds in excess of 35 miles per hour with enough snow in the air caused by either falling or blowing snow to create visibility of one-quarter mile or less for an extended period of time, usually at least three hours or more.  While blizzards can occur in Stearns County from October to April, they most commonly occur from November through the end of March.

Preparedness

Being prepared if you are isolated in your home:

  • Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular supplies may be curtailed by storm conditions.
  • Have some kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a kerosene heater, a gas fireplace or a wood burning) available, so you can keep at least one room of your home warm enough to be livable.  If your furnace is controlled by a thermostat and your electricity is cut off by a storm, you will need emergency heat.  If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.  Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them and knows basis fire prevention rules.
  • Keep your car "winterized" with antifreeze.  Carry a winter car kit that includes a windshield scraper, flashlight, tow chain or rope, shovel, tire chains, a blanket, a bag of sand or salt, a florescent distress flag and an emergency flare.  Keep extra mittens, hats and outwear in the car.

Being prepared if you are isolated in your car:

  • Pull off the highway; stay calm and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
  • Put on your hazard lights and hang a cloth or distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
  • If you run the engine to keep warm, create ventilation by cracking open a window.  This will protect passengers from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  
  • Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
  • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.
  • Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time.  One person should look out for rescue crews.
  • ​Be careful not to use up battery power.  Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat and the radio - with supply.  This includes limiting charging of cell phones.
  • At night, turn on the inside dome light, so work crews can spot you.
  • If you are in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large cloth over the snow, to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.  Once the winter storm passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot.​

Response

  • Listen to the radio or television for updates on weather conditions.  With early warning you may avoid being caught in a storm or be better prepared to cope with it.
  • Dress for the season: many layers of thin clothing are warmer than single layer of thick clothing.  Mittens are warmer than gloves.  Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.  Cover your mouth with scarves to protect lungs from directly inhaling extremely cold air.
  • If you must travel, take public transportation whenever possible.  If you must use a car, take winter driving seriously.  Travel by daylight, and keep others informed of your schedule.  Drive with extreme caution, never try to save time by driving fast or using back-road shortcuts.

Recovery

  • Avoid unnecessary trips until roads are clear.
  • Check roods for damage from heavy snow.
  • When walking in and shoveling in deep snow, be careful of physical overexertion.  Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.  Use proper posture when shoveling to avoid back strain.

Additional Resources

National Weather Service