What Makes A Snowstorm a Full-Blown Blizzard?

What’s the difference between a run-of-the-mill snowstorm and a blizzard?

It’s all about the wind.

The National Weather Service says that any winter storm that has these three factors qualifies as a blizzard:

• Three hours or longer of sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles an hour or greater
• Heavy snowfall – which seems a guarantee in this storm with predictions of up to two feet of snow falling in the Northeast.
• Reduced visibility – either from falling snow or blowing snow – of less than a quarter of a mile.

A blizzard warning is in place for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, which will make travel extremely dangerous. The heaviest snowfalls are predicted Monday night into Tuesday morning.

During a blizzard warning, you’re urged not to travel. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.