Blizzard Warning : It’s not just the snow, it’s the wind.

 A Blizzard Warning is one of the most severe winter weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)Interestingly, a blizzard is defined by wind and visibility, not necessarily by how much snow is falling. You can even have a "ground blizzard" with no new snow at all, as long as existing snow is being whipped around.

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❄️ The Three Criteria for a Blizzard

For the NWS to officially upgrade a storm to a Blizzard Warning, three specific conditions must be met (or expected) for at least 3 consecutive hours:

1. Sustained Winds or Frequent Gusts: $35\text{ mph}$ ($56\text{ km/h}$) or greater.

2. Low Visibility: Falling or blowing snow must reduce visibility to 1/4 mile (400 meters) or less.

3. Duration: These conditions must persist for a minimum of 3 hours.

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Blizzard vs. Winter Storm Warning

It’s a common misconception that a Blizzard Warning just means "more snow." Here is how they actually differ:

Feature	Winter Storm Warning	Blizzard Warning
Primary Threat	Heavy snow, ice, or sleet.	Wind-driven snow and whiteouts.
Wind Speed	Usually under $35\text{ mph}$.	Over $35\text{ mph}$.
Visibility	Can vary; usually manageable.	Near zero (Whiteout conditions).
Travel	Difficult and dangerous.	Impossible and life-threatening.

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 Critical Safety Steps

A Blizzard Warning is a "Take Action" alert. If you are under one, you should:

• Avoid All Travel: Whiteout conditions make it impossible to see the road or even the hood of your car. You can become disoriented and stranded in minutes.

• Stay Indoors: Wind chills during blizzards often reach dangerous levels, causing frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10–30 minutes.

• Prepare for Power Outages: High winds and heavy snow frequently knock down power lines. Ensure you have flashlights, batteries, and a way to stay warm if your furnace fails.

• If Stranded in a Car: Stay with your vehicle. It is your only shelter. Run the engine for 10 minutes every hour for heat, and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

🌡️ Watch for Frostbite & Hypothermia

• Frostbite: Look for numbness or skin that appears white/waxy.

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  Hypothermia: Look for shivering, exhaustion, confusion, or slurred speech. If a person's temperature drops below