Blizzards typically last for three hours or more.
A blizzard isn't just a snowstorm; it's a specific weather phenomenon characterized by certain conditions over a sustained period. The defining features include:
- Strong Winds: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 mph (56 km/h).
- Reduced Visibility: Blowing or drifting snow that reduces visibility to ΒΌ mile (400 meters) or less.
- Duration: These conditions must persist for a minimum of three hours.
Therefore, while a heavy snowfall might only last an hour or two, to officially qualify as a blizzard, the combination of strong winds and poor visibility due to blowing snow needs to be present for at least three hours. Some blizzards can last much longer, even for days, depending on the size and intensity of the weather system causing them.
