Weather definitionsWeather terminology:
When it is accurate to say it is a "blizzard"?
A blizzard occurs when three criteria are present: winds 35 mph or more; blowing snow with visibility less than a quarter of a mile; and temperature below 20 degrees.Source: National Weather Service meteorologist Phil Hysell, quoted in DDN story 1-3-96.
Level 1 -- Roads are hazardous, with blowing and drifting snow and icy driving conditions. Drive cautiously.
Level 2 -- Roads are hazardous, and only those who feel it is necessary should be out on the street. You should contact your employer to see if you should go to work.
Level 3 -- All roads are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out unless it is absolutely necessary.
Source: National Weather Service, published DDN 1-8-96.