Differences between Blizzard and Winter Storm
Blizzard vs. Winter Storm[edit]
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, a blizzard is a specific type of severe winter storm with strict meteorological definitions.[1][2] A winter storm is a broader, more general term for any weather event involving freezing or frozen precipitation.[3] All blizzards are winter storms, but most winter storms do not meet the specific criteria to be classified as blizzards.[4][5]
The primary distinction relates to wind speed and visibility.[1] The U.S. National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph (56 km/h) or greater, accompanied by falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter-mile for at least three consecutive hours. A winter storm, by contrast, is a catch-all term for an event that produces snow, sleet (ice pellets), or freezing rain.[5] It does not have specific wind speed or visibility requirements, and its impact can range from a minor inconvenience to a hazardous event.
A blizzard does not require currently falling snow. Strong winds can lift snow that has already accumulated on the ground and create a "ground blizzard," which can produce the same dangerous low-visibility conditions as a traditional blizzard. A winter storm, however, is defined by the presence of precipitation, whether it be snow, freezing rain, or sleet.[3]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Blizzard | Winter Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A severe snowstorm with specific high wind and low visibility criteria lasting for an extended period. | A general term for any storm system with freezing or frozen precipitation.[3] |
| Wind Speed | Sustained winds or frequent gusts must be 35 mph (56 km/h) or greater. | No specific wind speed requirement.[5] |
| Visibility | Must be reduced to less than 1/4 mile (0.4 km) by snow. | Visibility can vary and is not a defining metric.[5] |
| Duration | Wind and visibility criteria must be met for at least three hours. | Can last from a few hours to several days without specific time criteria. |
| Precipitation | Can occur with falling snow or with only existing snow on the ground (ground blizzard). | Defined by the presence of precipitation, such as snow, sleet, or freezing rain. |
| Relationship | Is a specific, severe type of winter storm.[4] | The broader category that includes blizzards, ice storms, and snowstorms.[3] |
See also[edit]
- Ground blizzard
- Snowstorm
- Ice storm
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved December 03, 2025.
- ↑ "cbsnews.com". Retrieved December 03, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "arcgis.com". Retrieved December 03, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved December 03, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "noaa.gov". Retrieved December 03, 2025.
