A winter storm can range from moderate snow to blizzard conditions: blinding wind driven snow over 35 mph that lasts several days. A severe winter storm deposits four or more inches of snow during a 12-hour period or six inches of snow during a 24-hour period. All winter storms make walking and driving extremely dangerous.

What Is A Blizzard?

A Blizzard is a snowstorm with sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (mph) or more or gusting up to at least 50 mph with heavy falling or blowing snow, persisting for one hour or more, temperatures of ten degrees fahrenheit or colder and potentially life-threatening traveling conditions.

What Is an Ice Storm?

An Ice Storm involves rain, which freezes upon impact. Ice coating at least one-fourth inch in thickness is heavy enough to damage trees, overhead wires, and similar objects and to produce widespread power outages.

What Is a Nor'easter?

A Nor'easter is a large weather system traveling from South to North, passing along, or near the seacoast. As the storm approaches New England, and its intensity becomes increasingly apparent, the resulting counterclockwise cyclonic winds impact the coast and inland areas form a Northeasterly direction. The sustained winds may meet or exceed hurricane force.

Courtesy of NESEC (Northeast States Emergency Consortium)

Terms To Know

• A Winter Storm Watch is declared when severe winter weather conditions may affect your area.
  
• A Winter Storm Warning is declared when severe winter weather conditions will affect your area.
  
• A Blizzard Warning is declared when considerable falling and/or blowing snow with sustained wind speeds of at least 35 mph will affect your area.