Blizzard Facts and Myths (INFOGRAPHIC)

Jon Erdman
Published: November 10, 2015

WHAT IS A BLIZZARD? |Create infographics

 

WHAT IS A BLIZZARD?

One of meteorology's most overused and misused terms, blizzard conditions must meet strict criteria.

Heavy snow accumulations alone do not constitute a blizzard. It's the combination of snow and high winds, which can be disorienting in rural areas lacking buildings or other landmarks. Ground blizzards may reduce visibilities due to blowing snow already on the ground, without any falling snow.

While a storm may be a blizzard in one location, that doesn't necessarily make it so for every location experiencing snow, or for the entire event.

BLIZZARD

View in Amarillo, Texas on Feb. 25, 2013. (Credit: NWS-Amarillo)

not a blizzard

Snow falls outside the White House on Jan. 26, 2011. Notice visibility is still rather high, despite the falling snow. (Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

BLIZZARD ALLEY

You've likely heard the term "tornado alley", but did you know there is a blizzard alley?

A 2002 study by Dr. Robert Schwartz and Dr. Thomas Schmidlin compiled the number of blizzards from 1959-2000 over the U.S., finding a clear "blizzard alley" in the Dakotas and western Minnesota, extending into Iowa, Nebraska, southeast Wyoming and eastern Colorado.

more blizzard facts from the study

27

Most U.S. blizzards in a season (1996-1997)

1

Least U.S. blizzards in a season (1980-1981)

2.5 million

Average population affected, per blizzard.

Copyright: weather.com/The Weather Channel

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