Driving in a Blizzard: How to Stay Safe in the Storm

Imagine trying to drive through a snow globe that’s just been shaken. That’s what it can feel like when you’re driving in a blizzard!

Blizzards are the most intense winter storms, and surprisingly, they can happen even when no snow is falling. To be classified as a blizzard, a storm must have either snow falling or blowing around, sustained winds stronger than 35 miles per hour, and visibility of less than a quarter-mile for at least three hours.

Why are blizzards so dangerous?

Each year, about 15 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes happen during snowfall or sleet, according to the Federal Highway Administration. When you’re driving in a blizzard, conditions can turn life-threatening fast. Strong winds combined with bitterly cold air can create dangerously low wind chills, often well below freezing. When exposed to that kind of cold, you run a real risk of hypothermia or frostbite, which can set in within minutes.

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In addition, blizzards can make it easy to lose your bearings. Whipping or drifting snow can create whiteout conditions that reduce visibility to nearly zero. You may not be able to see even a few feet ahead—making driving in a blizzard during a whiteout extremely dangerous.

What to know if you must drive during a blizzard

The most effective travel precaution you can take during a blizzard: Stay off the roads entirely. Of course, that’s not always possible in an emergency or for critical workers. If you must drive in blizzard conditions, here’s how to prepare:

Know the forecast

Check a trusted weather source before and during a winter storm. Get a sense of its timing, when conditions will be worst, and try to plan around that.

Communicate your plans

Let someone know where you’re going, the route you’re taking, and your estimated arrival time so that your location can be more easily identified if necessary.

Pack basic supplies

Keep tools and essentials in your vehicle to be prepared for winter emergencies. Your roadside emergency kit should include at least the following:

• jumper cables
• snow scraper and brush
• shovel
• bag of traction material—such as kitty litter, salt, or sand
• reflective triangles and road flares
• flashlight
• first-aid kit
• bottled water and nonperishable snacks
• warm blanket
• phone charging cable and/or power bank

Also consider purchasing an emergency road kit that combines many of these essentials in one convenient package.

Prepare your car

Safe winter driving starts before you hit the road. Make sure your headlights, taillights, and fog lights work properly—not only so that you can see while driving in a blizzard, but so that others can see you. Check that your windshield wipers can handle heavy snow and ice and top off your washer fluid. If you live in an area prone to severe winter storms, consider switching to winter tires and keeping your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up.

Warm up your vehicle

Fully defrost your windows before putting the car in drive to maximize visibility.

What to do if you get caught driving in a blizzard

If you get caught driving when blizzard conditions hit, stay calm and focused so that you can make smart decisions.

Pull over when it’s unsafe to continue

In a blizzard, visibility can drop to near zero and roads become dangerously slick. Even the most winter-ready vehicles can lose traction on ice. If conditions worsen, get off the road as quickly and safely as possible—ideally at a rest stop, in a parking lot, or on the shoulder if safe to do so. Once you’ve stopped, stay in your vehicle for shelter. It provides protection from the cold, wind, and blowing snow while you wait for conditions to improve, for help to arrive, or for the blizzard to pass.

Use your hazard lights correctly

Hazard lights signal to other drivers and emergency services that your vehicle has stopped or become disabled. Turn them on if you’ve pulled over or if your car can’t move safely. Avoid using them while driving, as blinking hazards on a moving vehicle can confuse other drivers.

Practice patience and drive slowly

You can’t outrun a blizzard. Expect delays and allow yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Drive safely below the speed limit, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration to maintain control.

What to do if you get stranded while driving in a blizzard

Whether your car gets stuck or conditions have deteriorated to the point you can’t safely drive, a few key steps can help you stay as warm and safe as possible.

Shelter in place

If you’ve pulled over in a blizzard and there’s no building nearby, your vehicle becomes your shelter. Stay inside it at all costs. Don’t wander away; blowing snow and near-zero visibility can make it dangerously easy to lose sight of your car.

Insulate your body

Layer anything you have available on and around yourself to retain body heat. Blankets, coats, and even floor mats can help keep you warm.

Use your car heater cautiously

If it’s safe to run the engine, you can use the heater for short intervals to stay warm. Just make sure the exhaust pipe is completely clear of snow or ice to prevent carbon monoxide from building up inside the car and creating a deadly situation. Crack a window slightly for ventilation.

Make yourself noticeable

Attach a brightly colored item—such as a scarf or handkerchief—to your car’s antenna, side mirror, or window. If you have traffic flares or reflective markers in your emergency kit, use them when visibility improves to help rescuers spot you.

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If you ever find yourself driving in a blizzard, these tips will help you maneuver through it as safely as possible. But remember, the best way to stay safe during a blizzard is simple: Don’t drive unless you absolutely must.