Blizzard Watch Defined

A Blizzard Watch is issued when a major winter storm is forecast, generally within 36 hours, which may lead to considerable falling and/or blowing snow and wind gusts of 35 mph or greater, potentially reducing visibility to one-quarter of a mile or less for a period of at least 3 hours. Temperatures do not have to be below a certain threshold, but below freezing temperatures and 35 mph wind gusts will create below zero wind chill values.

Additional tips: 

• Keep enough ready-to-eat food, water and heating fuel on-hand to get you by for at least 3-days.
• Have available a flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Keep your vehicle's fuel tank half full or greater at all times.
• Have a cold weather emergency kit in your car that includes blankets and clothing.
• Dress in layers and watching for signs of frostbite.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members and friends and assist them with preparations.
• Avoid driving since visibility will be low and crews will be working to clear roadways.

Source: National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Image: A woman struggles to walk through a blizzard in Manhattan (Source: NOAA)