Ask Josh Fitzpatrick: Snow Facts
We've not seen much snow this winter season so far but meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick has interesting facts on snow!
Did you know?
Every snowflake has its own unique shape and is different than all other snowflakes.
All snowflakes have six sides.
Snowflakes aren't always white. Years ago, when coal was used in factories and homes, snow was often gray. Why? Because the coal dust entered the air and was absorbed by the clouds.
In Prince Edward Island, Canada, where the soil is red clay, snowflakes often look pink. Why? Because red dust from the soil is blown into the air and absorbed by the clouds.
The largest snowflakes ever recorded fell in the state of Montana in the United States of America. The snowflakes were 15 inches in diameter.
The snow capital of the United States is Stampede Pass in Washington State. Each year, the average snowfall is 430 inches.
The average snowflake falls at a speed of 3.1 miles per hour.
Snirt is dirty snow that flies off the dusty Canadian prairies.
People buy more cakes, cookies and candies than any other food when a blizzard is in the forecast.
A blizzard occurs when you can't see for 1/4 mile. The winds are always 35 miles an hour or more. The storm must last at least 3 hours to be classed as a blizzard. If any of these conditions are less, it is only a snowstorm.
Billions of snowflakes fall during one short snowstorm.
Snowflakes are made up of ice crystals.
In the Tri-State, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston, WV, to have an official snowstorm you must have 4" or more inches of snow in 12 hours or 6" or more inches of snow in 24 hours.
When we say "several inches of snow are coming" that usually means 3" or more inches.
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