Which characteristic defines a blizzard?

A blizzard is specifically defined by its combination of strong winds and reduced visibility due to snow. The presence of sustained winds of at least 35 mph and visibility of less than 1/4 mile for a significant duration—typically three hours or more—characterizes this severe winter weather phenomenon. The reduced visibility is primarily caused by the blowing and drifting snow, which can significantly hinder travel and pose serious risks to safety.

In contrast, heavy rain and mudslides relate to different weather systems and conditions, typically associated with warmer temperatures. High temperatures and humidity do not apply to blizzards, as they are staples of warmer weather systems often linked to thunderstorms and tropical settings. Thunder and lightning during winter, while they can occasionally occur, do not define a blizzard and are more characteristic of winter storms that involve convective activity rather than the sustained cold, windy conditions that characterize blizzards.