Blizzard

Blizzard, severe storm characterized by extreme cold, strong winds, and a heavy snowfall. These storms are most common to the western United States but sometimes occur in other parts of the country. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, winds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or more and visibility of 0.40 km (0.25 mi) or less are conditions that, if they endure for three hours, define a blizzard. The great blizzard of March 11-14, 1888, which covered the eastern United States, was one of the most paralyzing storms on record. See also Meteorology.