Why in the news?

  • A severe blizzard struck the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet, trapping nearly 1,000 trekkers in the remote Karma valley.

Blizzard

  • What is it?: A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds (≥ 56 km/h or 35 mph) and low visibility (less than 400 metres) lasting at least 3 hours.
  • Areas Affecting: 
    • Global: Polar and temperate regions.
    • India: Himalayan regions (Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh)
  • Causes
    • Cold polar air masses meeting warm, moist air from lower latitudes.
    • Formation along low-pressure systems where frontal lifting causes heavy snowfall.
    • Strong pressure gradients create high wind speeds, blowing loose snow and reducing visibility.
  • Types
    • Ground Blizzard: Snow already on the ground is blown by wind; no fresh snowfall.
    • Lake-Effect Blizzard: Moisture from a lake evaporates into cold air, forming intense localized snowfalls (e.g. Great Lakes region, USA).
    • Nor’easter (in North America): Powerful winter storm moving up the eastern coast, bringing blizzard-like conditions.
  • Effects
    • Transport disruption: road, rail, air closures.
    • Power outages due to ice accumulation on lines.
    • Livestock and crop losses in rural areas.
    • Frostbite and hypothermia risks for humans.
    • Economic losses from halted activity and emergency response.
  • Preparedness & Mitigation:
    • Early warning systems by meteorological agencies.
    • Shelters and heating infrastructure in snow-prone areas.
    • Snow fencing and tree belts to reduce drifting.
    • Emergency kits and public awareness campaigns.