❄️ Snow & Blizzard Radar – Winter Storm Tracking

How Snow Looks Different From Rain on Radar

On a reflectivity radar map, rain and snow do not look the same. Rain usually shows brighter, more intense colors because liquid water reflects radar energy strongly. Snow typically appears in lighter, more muted colors because snowflakes reflect less energy, even when snowfall is heavy. That is why a winter storm can look unimpressive on radar while still dropping dangerous amounts of snow.

Watch for the rain-snow line: the boundary where precipitation changes from rain to snow. It often shows as a band of brighter reflectivity where melting snowflakes reflect strongly, and its position decides whether your town gets rain, a wintry mix, or all snow. As cold air pushes in, the line moves, and areas that started with rain can change to snow quickly.

How Blizzards Are Tracked

A blizzard is not just heavy snow. It is defined by strong winds and blowing snow that cut visibility to near zero for an extended period, and those winds can create whiteout conditions even after snowfall ends. Radar shows the snow bands, while wind observations and visibility reports confirm blizzard conditions. During a blizzard warning, travel is often impossible and should be avoided entirely.

Winter Storm Safety Basics

• Avoid travel during winter storm and blizzard warnings. If you must drive, keep an emergency kit, a charged phone, blankets, water, and a shovel in the vehicle.
• If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and run the engine only in intervals for warmth.
• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin: frostbite can develop quickly in wind and extreme cold.
• Watch for ice on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads, which freeze before other surfaces.
• Check on elderly neighbors and keep pets indoors during extreme cold and blizzards.

Winter Storm Watch vs Warning

A Winter Storm Watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the watch area and you should prepare. A Winter Storm Warning means a significant winter storm is occurring or imminent and travel may become dangerous or impossible. A Blizzard Warning is issued when blizzard conditions are expected: strong winds and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero. When a blizzard warning covers your area, stay off the roads.