What Defines a Blizzard?

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A blizzard is defined by wind and visibility, not snowfall totals. To officially meet blizzard criteria, there must be sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 miles per hour and visibility reduced to a quarter mile or less for three or more consecutive hours. This reduced visibility usually comes from blowing and drifting snow, not necessarily heavy snow falling from the sky. Blizzard warnings are extremely rare in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

Why it matters

Blizzard warnings indicate dangerous travel conditions, even if snow totals don't look extreme. Understanding the true definition of a blizzard helps the public better prepare for and respond to these severe winter weather events.

The details

A blizzard is defined by wind and visibility, not snowfall totals. To officially meet blizzard criteria, there must be sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 miles per hour and visibility reduced to a quarter mile or less for three or more consecutive hours. This reduced visibility usually comes from blowing and drifting snow, not necessarily heavy snow falling from the sky. Blizzard warnings are extremely rare in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, with the last one issued in 2022 along the Eastern Shore and before that in 2018 for the Southside, northeast North Carolina, and parts of the peninsulas.

• The last time parts of the Hampton Roads area saw a blizzard warning was in 2022 along the Eastern Shore.
• Before that, a blizzard warning was issued in 2018 for the Southside, northeast North Carolina, and parts of the peninsulas.