Blizzard Warnings Could Outlast the Snowstorm
Special Stories
21 Jan 2018 5:28 PM
Many locations that are under a blizzard warning could still see whiteout conditions even after the snow stops falling.
The National Weather Service officially defines a blizzard as a storm which includes large amounts of falling OR blowing snow, with winds higher than 35 mph and visibilities less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours). The National Weather Service will issue a “Blizzard Warning” when these conditions are expected.
The heavy snow that fell across parts of the plains to end the weekend doesn’t by itself constitute blizzard conditions. The ingredients required for a blizzard are high wind and BLOWING snow. We will have enough of that light, fluffy snow and the winds to blow it around even after the snow stops falling. This means that visibilities of less than ¼ mile and blowing and drifting snow could impact your Monday right through Monday evening.
Mike Morrison
The National Weather Service officially defines a blizzard as a storm which includes large amounts of falling OR blowing snow, with winds higher than 35 mph and visibilities less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours). The National Weather Service will issue a “Blizzard Warning” when these conditions are expected.
The heavy snow that fell across parts of the plains to end the weekend doesn’t by itself constitute blizzard conditions. The ingredients required for a blizzard are high wind and BLOWING snow. We will have enough of that light, fluffy snow and the winds to blow it around even after the snow stops falling. This means that visibilities of less than ¼ mile and blowing and drifting snow could impact your Monday right through Monday evening.
Mike MorrisonAll Weather News
More
Watching the Gulf for Tropical Development
In the Atlantic basin, we are keeping a very
19 Jul 2026 2:05 AM
Severe Storms Target the Northeast Saturday
While smoke and heat have made headlines in t
19 Jul 2026 2:05 AM
Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes
The upper level low train continues to keep t
19 Jul 2026 2:00 AM
Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat
The monsoon has returned to the southwestern
19 Jul 2026 1:30 AM
Thick Wildfire Smoke Continues to Pour Across the Great Lakes, East Coast
Wildfires burning in Northwestern Ontario, Ca
19 Jul 2026 1:30 AM
After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY - Life-threatening floodin
18 Jul 2026 1:00 AM
Heat Alerts Across the Nation End Thursday
ALL-TIME RECORD HIGHS were broken across the
16 Jul 2026 1:00 AM