After clobbering the Portland, Oregon, metro area with thundersnow and California’s Sierra with feet of snow, Winter Storm Jupiter is likely to become an ice storm late this week for an expansive swath of the Plains, Midwest and parts of the Northeast that could last into early next week. Here are 10 cool things that you need to know about blizzards, winter storms or ice storms and learn how to prepare for them.

1 – Blizzards are formed under particular weather conditions

Blizzards are formed when warm air rises over the cold air. Winds pull cold air towards the Equator from the poles and bring warm air from the Equator towards the poles. When warm air and cold air are brought together, a front is created and precipitation takes place.

2 – Every snow storm is not a blizzard

A blizzard is a snow storm that contains winds blowing at a speed in excess of 35 mph and visibility of less than quarter of a mile for more than three occurs since the blizzard occurs.

3 – Never eat snow during a blizzard to stay hydrated

If you get caught outdoors during a blizzard, stay nourished and hydrated in order to avoid hypothermia. If you move around, you can keep the blood flowing continuously in your body vessels. But never ever think of eating snow. It will only make you feel colder by lowering down your body temperature!

4 – Blizzard Watches and Warnings

When a blizzard is being forecast, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Winter Storm Watch which implies that there is a likelihood of a storm taking effect. On the contrary, you will receive a Winter Storm Warning if the storm is on its way or is about to take place.

5 – Rochester, New York is quite familiar to blizzards

Rochester is the largest city in the United States that receives the most snowfall all the year around. It receives approximately 94 inches of snow annually.

6 – The Great Blizzard of 1888

More than 400 people died during the Great Blizzard, as 40 to 50 inches of snow fell in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. The snow buried houses and trains, and 200 ships sank in waves whipped up by fierce winds.

7 – Nor’Easters

Many blizzards stem from Nor’Easters, which are storms traveling up the east coast of America. Moisture gathers from the Atlantic and dumps large accumulations of snow all the way from Delaware to Maine.

8 – Blizzard of the twentieth century

The Storm of the 20th Century took place in March, 1993. It was iconic for it’s hurricane wind force and massive size. The blizzard caused roughly 300 deaths and power outages disrupted lives of millions of inhabitants from Canada to America.

9 – Avoid alcohol during blizzards

Drinking alcohol is dehydrating and it delays the onset of shivering; thereby making your body lose more heat and making it more difficult for it to tell how cold it is! Learn more about how alcohol consumption is dangerous for health by reading our post titled 5 Myths that should not get the best of you this winter!

10 – Avoid traveling by car during a blizzard

Traveling by car or even on foot during a blizzard is highly discouraged. If you must, it is vital to be in possession of an emergency aid kit (water, cables, flares, tow rope etc.) in case of any accident, your car breaks down or you get stuck in snow.

Stay updated with the latest developments in the wake of Winter Storm Jupiter by using your favorite and best weather app for iPhone and iPad.