SNOWSTORM – SEVERE METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENON. CASE STUDIES: TWO SNOWSTORM EPISODES FROM THE 2011-2012 WINTER

Ciurlau Doruta, University of Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

Snowstorm – severe meteorological phenomenon. Case studies: two snowstorm episodes from the 2011-2012 winter. In meteorology, a snowstorm is considered to be a severe meteorological phenomenon of average risk. During any snowstorm episode, associated phenomena, such as massive snowfalls, wind speeds of up to 150 km/h, dissipation and accumulation of snow, drops in air temperature, can occur simultaneously.
In Romania, snowstorms are associated with a cold and dry wind, locally called crivăţ, especially in the Eastern Southeastern parts of the country, as well as the Southeastern half of the Romanian Plain.
The two snowstorm episodes studied took place in late January (the 24th-26th) and early February (6th-8th), current year. Knowing the synoptic situation in which these two episodes occurred, and the weather evolution in both cases, in this paper I will point out aspects such as how the phenomena occurred, area of development, effects and damages done, similarities and differences between the two periods.
At the end of the paper, I will propose measures that should be considered by the authorities, in order to decrease or even avoid damages and life loss.