Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Denis Kozhevnikov / TASS
This expression appeared among the locals after the snow storm of 1957. The northern city was at the mercy of the elements for several days.

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Sigismund Kropivnitsky/MAMM/MDF/russiainphoto.ru

“A terrible snowstorm, the likes of which local old-timers have not remembered for many years, broke out over Norilsk on January 15 and on the night of January 16,” wrote a local newspaper in 1957. “Almost all mines were left without electricity… The wind tore roofs off some houses, smashed windows and destroyed small buildings.” 

Because of the snowstorm and dense snow, it was impossible to see at arm's length – that's why it was called ‘black’. 

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Vsevolod Tarasevich/MAMM/MDF/russiainphoto.ru

That year, many young specialists from all over the Soviet Union went to Norilsk. Most of them had never experienced a polar night, much less Arctic weather, in their lives. 

On the day of the snowstorm, people stopped working outdoors, waiting out the storm at home or at work. But, the snowstorm showed no signs of stopping. By the end of the day, the wind had significantly exceeded 40 m/s (the maximum that instruments could record at that time) and caused a real disaster in the city. 

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Vsevolod Tarasevich/MAMM/MDF/russiainphoto.ru

People were actually locked indoors because of the snow and many houses were without power. This lasted for several days, after which it took the city a long time to recover. 

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Vsevolod Tarasevich / Sputnik

Norilsk is on the 69th parallel. In winter, it can reach minus 45-50 degrees and, at the same time, it is considered one of the windiest cities in the world. And the stronger the wind, the harder the cold is to bear. 

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Denis Kozhevnikov / TASS

Fortunately, there are no such strong snowstorms today as in 1957. But, the ‘black snowstorm’ covers the city on a regular basis.

Why is a snowstorm in Norilsk called ‘black’?
Elena Shcherbakova / Sputnik

We describe in detail how the snow and wind protection system in Norilsk works here.

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