Weather
Utah Winter Weather Awareness Week: Whiteout Dangers Explained
Salt Lake City, UT – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Utah residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? From the Wasatch Front to th
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-25T17:49:46.961Z
Salt Lake City, UT – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Utah residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? From the Wasatch Front to the state's remote western highways, powerful winds and blowing snow can make travel dangerous even without heavy new snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , a blizzard occurs when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach at least 35 mph, accompanied by falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to one quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
Heavy snowfall isn't required. Strong winds can lift snow already on the ground, producing a ground blizzard that creates dangerous whiteouts after snowfall has stopped.
What's the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning? A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, giving residents time to prepare.
A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous winter conditions are expected or already occurring.
A Blizzard Warning indicates blizzard conditions are expected or underway. Travel can become extremely dangerous as blowing snow reduces visibility and drifts block highways.
What Should Utah Residents Have Ready? Before winter storms arrive, households should prepare emergency supplies, including:
Food and water: At least three days of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person daily. Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, insulated winter clothing and safe backup heating options. Emergency supplies: Flashlights, batteries, medications, first aid kits and charged power banks. Vehicles: A full gas tank, blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel and emergency supplies. Snow removal: Shovels, ice melt, rock salt and traction materials. Never operate generators, outdoor grills or other outdoor fuel burning equipment indoors or inside garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Utah From Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County to Ogden, Provo, Logan, Park City, Tooele and communities throughout northern Utah, winter storms can disrupt travel and essential services.
The Wasatch Mountains can receive intense snowfall, while strong winds may create dangerous blowing snow along mountain passes and exposed highways.
Lake effect snow from the Great Salt Lake can also produce localized heavy snowfall, particularly in parts of northern Utah.
Interstate 15, Interstate 80, Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 6 can become hazardous during winter storms. Exposed stretches of Interstate 80 west of Salt Lake City are especially vulnerable to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
In Utah's mountain regions, heavy snowfall and steep terrain also create avalanche hazards, even when official blizzard criteria are not met.
Remote roads, freezing temperatures and long distances between services can make stranded vehicles particularly dangerous.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency plans, check supplies and monitor official NWS forecasts and UDOT Traffic road conditions.
Remember: A blizzard is defined by wind, visibility and duration — not snowfall totals.