Blizzard Warnings Could Outlast the Snowstorm

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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

All Weather News