A bulletin issued by NWS offices when the following conditions are imminent or expected to develop: (1) sustained winds or frequent wind gusts of 35 mph or more with, (2) considerable falling and/or blowing snow that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less. Cold temperatures, usually less than 20oF, may also be present but not always. See Blowing Snow Advisory. See also, Warning.

Issued for winter storm with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions Are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours.

Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph occurring in combination with considerable falling and/or blowing snow for a period of at least three hours. Visibilities will frequently be reduced to less than one-quarter mile and temperatures will often remain extremely cold in a blizzard.

Snow, strong winds and low temperatures will combine to produce a blinding snow, deep drifts and life threatening wind chill. This means temperatures below 20 degrees and winds above 35mph.

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when blizzard conditions are life threatening. The criteria for this warning varies from state to state. In Michigan, the criteria is a sustained wind or frequent wind gusts to 35 mph or more and considerable falling and/or blowing slow reducing visibility frequently to less than 1/4 mile for a duration of 3 hours or longer.

This is a statement issued when blizzard conditions are imminent or occurring.

Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below 1/4 mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.

A combination of cold air, heavy snows, and strong winds with blowing snow-reducing visibility to near zero, which creates the most dangerous of all winter storms. Blizzard warnings are issued when the National Weather Service predicts a heavy accumulation of snow together with winds exceeding 35 miles an hour and temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit over an extended period. Blowing Snow - Wind driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.

Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.