Drifting and blowing snow

When the snow falls and the winds pick up the snow is going to blow. It is a hazard to anyone walking or driving in the snow. The high winds can cause frostbite on exposed skin and the blowing snow can reduce visibility and cover cleared roads. The most dangerous part about it is just because the snow is finished falling it does not mean that the winds are done.

We’ve all seen it. With the blowing snow your property has three feet deep snow drifts while your neighbor’s property has been blow clear. It’s just not fair. That wind may require a snow removal service to return to clear the property again. Some of the terms that are thrown about by not only the general public but also even meteorologists are blowing snow and drifting snow. The terms sound similar (and they are) but they different and there are important differences to them.

Blowing snow is snow that is lifted from the surface by the wind to a height of six to eight feet or more. It can give the appearance that snow is still falling, even while the sun is shining. This can create visibility issues even reducing visibility to near zero. This snow has to fall back to earth somewhere and usually creates deep snow drifts, sometimes several feet deep. This is one of the requirements for blizzard conditions.

Drifting snow is slightly different. While similar, drifting snow happens when the wind picks up the snow but it remains below eight feet in the air. This usually does not hamper visibility (though it can) but can also lead to deep snow drifts. Drifting snow is especially dangerous in rural and remote areas as it can cover roads quickly and completely.

Both of these phenomena produce various dangers besides of course the reduction of visibility and frostbite. Since some of this can occur while the snow is out the sun’s light can reflect off of the snow producing snow blindness. With the reduction in visibility there should be no surprise that both maritime and aviation travel become much more danger. The large drifts that can form can present a hazard to emergency responders, especially if it is piled up around a home.

Both blowing and drifting snow can occur anywhere snow falls, from the mountains to the coast. It does not discriminate. The best thing that many people can do is to stay off the roads. Professionals are out working to clear the roads, from your state and local government to private contractors like Michael B. Stoner. We have 30 years of experience working in all weather conditions so if you have a commercial property that needs snow or ice removal services and you are in South Central Pennsylvania along the I-81 corridor give us a call at 717-245-2225 or visit our contact page. We are fully insured and available 24/7. We are prepared for the event before the flakes start falling and our customers are among the first to have their properties cleared so that they can open for business as soon as possible. Trust the best with your snow and ice removal needs, trust Michael B. Stoner Inc.