what factors comprise a snow blizzard?

Answer 1

I have lived in Minnesota all my life and I can tell you it is high winds and lots and lots of snow. That is what makes the visibility so poor. And it does not have to be below zero to make it dangerous.

Answer 2

There are 2...perhaps 3 criteria involved in the definition of blizzard conditions. First, visibility--the visibility at an official reporting station must be below a certain threshold (1/2 mile I believe--though I could be slightly off), and this should be the case for several hours. Second--wind speed. Winds should be in excess of around 35 MPH. Third (sometimes)--snow amount. A blizzard should be capable of producing a fair amount of snow (makes sense)...though this criterion isn't as important as the others, and is in many ways reflected in the reduction of visibility. If all of these conditions are expected, the NWS (in the US) will issue a Blizzard Warning. If heavy snow is predicted without high winds, a Winter Storm Warning will be issued about 12-24 hours in advance of the event. If the snow is expected to be significant, but of relatively short duration, a Heavy Snow Warning is issued.