7 Random Facts About Snow in New Jersey

As the snow starts to blanket much of our area, it seems like a good time to go back and take a look at the history of snow in our state.

I also thought it would be fun to share some random facts about snow that you can use to dazzle your friends as you take a snow day today.

• Have you ever noticed how after a big snowfall, as things calm down and you take a  stroll, the snow seems very bright, and you might even need sunglasses?  Snow reflects ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn on your cornea.

What is a Blizzard

• Not all heavy snowfall turns into a blizzard.  According to The National Weather Service,

 A blizzard means that the following conditions are expected to prevail for a period of 3 hours or longer: Sustained wind or frequent gusts to 35 miles an hour or greater; andConsiderable falling and/or blowing snow (i.e., reducing visibility frequently to less than a ¼ mile)

The Biggest One-Day Snowfall Accumulation in NJ History

• The biggest one-day snow accumulation in New Jersey occurred on January 26, 1905 in Sussex County and again on January 23, 2016 in Somerset County.  On both dates, 30 inches of snow fell in New Jersey.

• Scientists at NASA believe that there may be snow storms on Mars.

• February 12, 2010, was the first time in history that all 50 states had at least some snow on the ground.

• With an average yearly snowfall of over 123 inches, Syracuse, NY is considered the snowiest city in the United States.

• Snow is not white.  The sun's rays reflecting off the flakes are what make them look white.