ABC57 Meteorologist Oliver Moster breaks down winter storm classifications

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- When we have a large winter event headed to Michiana one of the most common things used to describe it could be a winter storm, or even blizzard.

With a winter storm, we need 6 or more inches in 12 hours, or 8 or more in 24, you could also have more than a quarter of an inch of freezing rain or a half inch of sleet.

We won’t be seeing blizzard conditions because we aren’t expecting sustained winds above 15 mph, and gusts maybe reaching 30 mph, you need those windy conditions AND visibility under a quarter mile for at least three hours.

Could we see that second requirement get fulfilled? Potentially, so make sure you are off the roads as we get a little closer to sunset tonight.

This system is going to be very impactful; it just might not be a true winter storm everywhere in Michiana. It all goes back to the requirements the National Weather Service has for winter weather events.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our whole area because we are expecting, well, winter weather. But at the moment, seeing the requirements for a winter storm in our area are not completely likely.

The biggest requirement is 6+ inches in 12 inches, or 8+ in 24 hours, since the snow is kicking in in the early afternoon, it would be the very early morning hours Thursday that we would need over six inches in a place.

Again, even though beforehand we can’t call this event a winter storm yet, we are still expecting very impactful conditions. Make sure you stay updated on the ABC57 weather app.