More Details on the Blizzard

Here are more specifics on the wicked winter storm that will hit the GreatPlains and Upper Midwest Thursday into Friday. The large pressure gradientassociated with the storm will manufacture winds up to 60 miles per hour thatwill cause severe blowing and drifting snow. At times the snow will be swirlingaround in such a frenzy that one won't be able to see their hand in front oftheir face.That travel conditions will be terribly bad through this part of the countryThursday and Friday almost goes without saying. Those that venture out run therisk of getting stranded in the drifting snow.

The U.S. Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with winds of at least35 miles per hour and visibility 500 feet or less in snow and blowing snow. Asevere blizzard has sustained winds over 45 miles per hour, as well astemperatures of 10 degrees or lower.

Story By AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist John Kocet.