Blizzard

A severe snowstorm marked by strong sustained winds, blowing snow, and prolonged low visibility. Its defining danger is reduced visibility, which can persist even after snowfall ends.

Blowing snow: Snow lifted from the ground and carried by wind, reducing visibility even when no snow is falling. Blowing snow can keep a blizzard’s visibility dangerously low after snowfall stops.
Blizzard warning: An official alert issued when blizzard conditions are occurring or expected in a specified area. The warning communicates when forecast winds and visibility meet hazardous blizzard criteria.
Schoolhouse Blizzard: A January 1888 blizzard that struck the Great Plains and killed hundreds, including children caught outside or stranded at schools. Its sudden onset and exposed victims illustrate the danger of blizzard conditions on the open plains.
Snowstorm: A storm that produces snowfall, ranging from light snow to intense accumulation. A snowstorm becomes a blizzard only when strong winds and prolonged low visibility also occur.
Wind chill: The perceived cooling effect of wind on exposed skin, estimated from air temperature and wind speed. Blizzard winds accelerate heat loss and increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Winter storm warning: An alert for significant winter weather, including heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain. It covers severe winter weather that may not meet the narrower definition of a blizzard.
Great Blizzard of 1888: A March 1888 blizzard that paralyzed the northeastern United States and killed hundreds of people. The storm overwhelmed transport and communications in densely populated cities.
Ice storm: A storm in which freezing rain coats surfaces with a layer of ice. Ice accumulation, rather than wind-driven snow and low visibility, defines this winter hazard.
Lake-effect snow: Snow produced when cold air gathers heat and moisture while passing over relatively warm lake water. Lake-effect bands can intensify into localized blizzards downwind of large lakes.
Wind chill warning: An alert issued when dangerously low wind chill is expected or occurring. Extreme wind chill can add a life-threatening cold hazard during a blizzard.

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