It achieved its modern definition by 1859, when it was in use in the western United States. The term became common in the press during the harsh winter of 1880-81.

United States storm systems

In the United States, storm systems powerful enough to cause blizzards usually form when the jet stream dips far to the south, allowing cold, dry polar air from the north to clash with warm, humid air moving up from the south.

When cold, moist air

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