Category: Blizzards and Ice Storms

The most powerful blizzards are remembered for more than snow totals. Wind, duration, temperature, storm size, drifting, and human exposure all shape their impact.

Blizzards, snowstorms, and ice storms all create winter danger, but they are defined by different hazards: wind, snowfall, freezing rain, visibility, and ice buildup.

A blizzard is defined by strong wind, snow or blowing snow, very low visibility, and duration. Learn how pressure systems and cold air create whiteout storms.