Blizzard vs snowstorm: key differences explained

What is the difference between a snowstorm and a blizzard? Blizzards and snowstorms may have some similarities, but they differ in severity, wind speed and visibility. A blizzard involves sustained winds of 35 mph or more, near-zero visibility and conditions lasting at least 3 hours.

Snowstorms, while still hazardous, typically lack the same extreme wind and visibility factors as a blizzard. Understanding these distinctions helps you prepare for winter weather more effectively. 

Preparing for blizzards vs snowstorms

Blizzards aren’t just about the snow. They can also be defined by strong winds and near-zero visibility, which make them far more dangerous than ordinary snowstorms. Use this quick blizzard prep checklist to remain ready:

Your blizzard readiness checklist

• Stock emergency kits: Include water, non-perishable food, blankets, flashlights and batteries.

• Charge devices and backup power sources: Keep phones, power banks and generators ready for outages.

• Avoid travel during warnings: High winds and poor visibility make roads extremely hazardous.

• Know local shelter locations: Keep this information handy in case you need to relocate.

• Have pet supplies handy: Have food, pet carriers, water, medicine and other supplies for your pet readily available in case you do need to evacuate. 

• For snowstorms: Focus on traction aids like sand and salt and be aware of potentially slick roads ahead.

Where do blizzards occur? 

Blizzards are possible anywhere freezing temperatures and snowfall occur. Some regions throughout the United States experience blizzards far more often than others. In North America, blizzards are most common in the Northern Plains, Midwest, Canada and Northeastern United States. But because snow tends to be wetter and heavier in coastal regions, it’s less prone to severely reducing visibility. Wherever you may be, blizzards and snowstorms can have an impact on your daily travel.

Typical disruptions of blizzards and snowstorms

What is a nor’easter? 

A winter weather term that’s often misunderstood is the nor’easter.

Nor’easters are often thought of as powerful snowstorms due to their ability to produce strong winds, coastal flooding and heavy snow. But a storm doesn’t have to involve any snow or even occur during winter to qualify as a nor’easter. A nor’easter is a powerful low-pressure system that originates along the Mid-Atlantic coast and features strong northeasterly winds. They’re most common between early fall and late spring, and they often do include severe snowstorms. Nor’easters generally strengthen as they move up the coast, which makes them a particular threat to large coastal cities between Washington, D.C. and Boston. 

Historic blizzards

Ordinary blizzards are bad enough, but you can count yourself lucky if you’ve never had to endure a truly historic one. Here are just a few of the most dangerous and destructive blizzards in U.S. history:

• The Great Blizzard of 1888 – The deadliest winter storm in U.S. history¹ struck as a surprise in mid-March, very late for a blizzard. Up to 50 inches of snow accumulated in the densely populated Northeast, striking New York City, Boston and Philadelphia particularly hard.
• The Knickerbocker Storm – On January 27 and 28, 1922, an intense blizzard dumped wet, heavy snow throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Some of the worst damage was in Washington, D.C., where the deluge of snow collapsed the roof at the famous Knickerbocker Theater.²
• The Great Midwest Blizzard of 1967 – Still known for Chicago’s largest snowfall on record³, this massive snowstorm stretched from the Upper Midwest all the way to Northern New Mexico, but the worst blizzard conditions were confined to Northern Illinois and Indiana. The blizzard shut down Chicago for days, burying cars and confining people in homes, schools and workplaces.
• The Storm of the Century – In March 1993, this blizzard struck along much of the Eastern U.S., affecting 22 states.⁴ What began as a cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico grew to become one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, dumping heavy snow as far south as Florida and causing billions of dollars in property damage.
• Snowpocalypse of 2009 – This nor’easter swept up the East Coast in December 2009, smashing snowfall records in Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia. Several Northeastern cities recorded 24-hour snowfall totals of well over 20 inches.⁵

Sources

¹ History: Great Blizzard of ’88 hits East Coast

² Maryland Center for History and Culture: The Knickerbocker Storm 

³ National Weather Service: January 26-27, 1967: Chicago's Largest Snowfall on Record

⁴ National Weather Service: The 1993 “Storm of the Century”

⁵ National Weather Service: Mid Atlantic Winters