Blizzard of

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Blizzard of 78

• Michael Le, Rashad, Thomas

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What is a Blizzard?

• A blizzard is a snow storm that would have low
  temperatures, strong winds, and heavy blowing
  snow. Blizzards are formed when a high pressure
  system meets a low pressure system. In the United
  States, snow storms are classified as blizzards
  when there are 35 mph winds, and a visibility of
  ¼ of a mile for 3 hours or more.

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Blizzard of 78 Basic Info

• Up to 55 inches of snow fell in some areas
• Winds up to 105 KM/H
• At some places, there was thunder and lightning
• Affected New England (mostly Rhode Island,
  Connecticut, and Massachusetts)
• Formed on February 5, 1978, and ended on February
  8, 1978

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Aftermath of the Blizzard

• 10,000 people had to move to temporary shelters
• 2,500 houses were destroyed
• Most of the Interstate was shut down, and most of
  it wasnt open until the following week.
• A state of emergency was announced and the US
  National Guards were called to help with clearing
  the roads.
• A lot of beach corrosion was caused by the storm,
  especially in Cape Cod.
• The snow was so high, that in some areas, plows
  were not very helpful, so they had to wait for
  the snow to melt months later.

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Social and Cultural Effects of the Blizzard

• It gave birth to a tradition known as the bread
  and milk runs. This was because when scared and
  frantic people came to the market, all the
  essential items were gone. This created some
  injury since people fought each other for the
  food. After the Blizzard, its now a custom for
  people in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to wreak
  havoc to buy food, while markets tried to stock
  up to keep with the demands.
• Schools were closed in New York which was
  uncommon, since schools were not closed until 18
  years later.

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Pictures
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Satellite Image
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Bibliography

• http//icons.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/t/Th
  eSnowman/7.jpg
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeastern_United_S
  tates_Blizzard_of_1978
• http//www.mass.gov/czm/blizzard78.htm