What type of storm is typically characterized by intense snowfall and strong winds?

A blizzard is defined as a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds of 35 miles per hour or more, accompanied by heavy snowfall that reduces visibility to less than a quarter of a mile for an extended period, typically three hours or longer. The combination of these elements—intense snowfall and strong winds—creates dangerous conditions, often leading to significant disruptions in transportation, power outages, and extreme cold exposure.

In contrast, other types of storms do not share these specific characteristics. Hurricanes are large tropical storms with strong winds and heavy rain, but they do not primarily involve snow. Tornadoes are violent windstorms characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud, and they do not typically involve snowfall. Thunderstorms are associated with rain, thunder, and lightning, but they also do not feature intense snowfall. Thus, the unique combination of severe snow and high winds distinctly defines a blizzard.