I'm a fan of extreme weather. I certainly don't like when it hurts or kills people and having the power knocked out is only interesting for about the first hour. I am, though, in awe of the raw and destructive power that exists in nature. This year's snowstorms have been fun to watch and moderately fun to clean up. The terminology used this year is unique as well. From thundersnow to snowmageddon. The term being used for a snowstorm that is supposed to hit tonight and tomorrow is being dubbed a "snowicane" which could bring near-hurricane-force wind gusts of blinding snow falling at more than an inch an hour. Sounds extreme. Sounds dangerous. Sounds exciting.
I learned that hurricane force winds are 74 mph or greater, but that wind speed would only earn the distinction of being called a "Level 1" hurricane. The levels increase in 15-25 mph increments up to Level 5, which are winds of 156 mph or greater. To experience winds stronger than Level 5, you need to venture to the shores of Antarctica, which has winds that are so fast and furious that they have become world famous. They are called katabatic winds and they can reach 190 mph.
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