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Sherburne County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2020 increases dramatically when temperatures fall below 20°F. Blizzards typically occur between October and April; however, they occur most frequently from early November to late March. The greatest numbers of blizzards historically have occurred in the months of January, followed by March and November, respectively. Sherburne County, along with all areas of Minnesota, is susceptible to blizzards. Figure 17. Armistice Day Blizzard, 1940 Damages from blizzards can range from human and livestock deaths to significant snow removal costs. Stranded drivers can make uninformed decisions, such as leaving the carto walk in conditionsthat putthem at risk. Because of the blinding potential of heavy snowstorms, drivers are also at risk of collisions with snowplows or other road traffic. Drivers and homeowners without emergency plans and kits are vulnerable to the life - threatening effects of heavy snowstorms such as power outages, cold weather, and inability to travel, communicate, obtain goods or reach their destinations. Heavy snow loads can cause structural damage, particularly in areas where there are no building codes or where residents live in manufactured home parks. The frequency of structural fires tends to increase during heavy snow events, primarily due to utility disruptions and the use of alternative heating methods by residents. Between the years of 1975 and i993., there were 49 deaths associated with blizzards statewide, or an average of three deaths per year. Deaths attributable to blizzards have dropped in recent years, primarily due to increased weather awareness and warning capabilities across the state. The economic costs of winter storms are generally not recorded by the NCEI; however, a winter storm in November 2ooi resulted in property damage of $500,000. Ice storms are described as occasions when damaging accumulations of ice occur due to freezing rain. The terms freezing rain and freezing drizzle warn the public that a coating of ice is expected on the ground and other exposed surfaces. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair extensive damage. Ice forming on exposed objects generally ranges from a thin glaze to coatings more than one inch thick. Even small accumulations of ice on sidewalks, streets, and highways may cause extreme hazards to Sherburne County motorists and pedestrians. Sleet does not stick to trees and wires, but sleet of sufficient thickness does cause hazardous driving conditions. Heavy sleet is a relatively rare occurrence, defined as an accumulation of ice pellets covering the ground to a depth of 1/-inch or more. Page165