Blizzards
Severe Winter Snow Storms
Snow
Heavy snow combined with strong winds and cold
Visibility
Reduced to quarter mile or less from blowing snow
Wind
Sustained winds 35+ mph with wind chill below -10°F
What is a Blizzard?
A blizzard is a severe winter storm combining heavy snow, strong winds (35+ mph), and reduced visibility (less than quarter mile) lasting at least 3 hours. The combination creates life-threatening conditions with extreme wind chills and near-zero visibility. Most dangerous blizzards produce wind chills exceeding -30°F.
Blizzard Formation
Cold Air Mass
Arctic air moving south from polar regions. Temperature drop 20-40°F in hours. Below freezing critical for snow.
Moisture Source
Warm moist air from Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic colliding with cold air. Provides fuel for heavy precipitation.
Lifting Mechanism
Cold front or low pressure system forces air upward. Strong jet stream enhances storm intensity and duration.
Types of Blizzards
Ground Blizzard
Little to no new snow falling. Winds blow previously fallen snow creating blizzard conditions (visibility reduced, snow accumulation).
Common after storms, can persist for hours after snow ends
Precipitation Blizzard
Heavy snow falling with strong winds creating both new accumulation and reduced visibility. Most common type.
Rapid accumulation of 6-20+ inches possible
Lake Effect Blizzard
Develops when cold air moves over warm lakes. Extreme snow rates in narrow bands downwind of lakes.
Great Lakes region most affected, 2-4 feet possible
Nor'easter Blizzard
Forms along Atlantic coast with winds from northeast. Particularly impactful to Northeast US states.
Multi-day events, extreme coastal impacts
Blizzard Hazards
Visibility and Travel
Reduced visibility to near-zero makes travel extremely dangerous. Whiteout conditions prevent navigation.
- • Road closure essential
- • Vehicle stranding risk
- • Disorientation possible
Cold Exposure
Extreme wind chills below -30°F cause frostbite in minutes and hypothermia rapidly.
- • Frostbite in 10-15 min
- • Hypothermia life-threatening
- • Exposed skin at risk
Snow Accumulation
Heavy snow (1-2 inches per hour) creates accumulation hazards and structural stress.
- • Roof collapse risk
- • Drifting reduces access
- • Stranding of vehicles
Human Health
Blizzards cause more deaths annually than tornadoes, primarily from vehicle accidents and exposure.
- • Heart attacks from exertion
- • Accidents on icy roads
- • Respiratory distress
Wind Chill Effects
Wind Chill Index
Frostbite 30 minutes
Frostbite 10 minutes
Frostbite 5 minutes
Exposed skin freezes instantly
Notable Blizzards
The Great Blizzard of 1888
Historic blizzard affecting Northeast US. 400+ deaths, 55 inches in some locations, drifts 50+ feet.
Sparked modern weather forecasting efforts
The 1993 Superstorm
Massive storm spanning eastern US. 300 deaths, 2-4 feet snow, cold of -40°F wind chills.
Cost $6.2 billion in damages
Winter 2014 Chicago Blizzard
Deep Arctic air with Nor'easter. 20+ inches snow, wind chills -35°F, disrupted travel for days.
Urban area deeply impacted
2022 Winter Storm Elliott
Continental blizzard with extreme cold. Wind chills -50°F, widespread impacts from coast to coast.
Numerous fatalities from extreme conditions
Safety During Blizzards
Before Blizzard
- ✓ Monitor winter storm forecasts
- ✓ Stock food and supplies
- ✓ Charge phones and batteries
- ✓ Ensure home heating works
- ✓ Winterize vehicle
During Blizzard
- ✓ Stay indoors if possible
- ✓ Don't travel unless emergency
- ✓ Keep emergency supplies accessible
- ✓ Check on neighbors/elderly
- ✓ Monitor weather updates
If Stranded in Vehicle
- ✓ Don't abandon vehicle - stay inside
- ✓ Run engine 10 min/hour for heat
- ✓ Keep exhaust clear of snow
- ✓ Use flashers/dome light for visibility
- ✓ Huddle together for warmth
- ✓ Ration food and water
Key Facts
- Most occur December-February
- Require 3-hour minimum duration
- Wind speed: 35+ mph sustained
- Visibility: 1/4 mile or less
- Average duration: 3-12 hours
- Most deaths from vehicle accidents
- Heart attacks from exertion
- Typical snow: 5-20+ inches
- Coastal variants: Nor'easters
- 70+ deaths annually in US