In snow, ice, blowing snow, or strong winds, the safest move may be to delay a nonessential trip. Before leaving, check your local National Weather Service forecast and your state or local transportation authority’s road conditions and closures. If conditions make travel dangerous, postpone or cancel; if you must go, prepare the car, slow down, leave more room, and stop somewhere safe if you can no longer see well enough to continue.
Should I drive during a blizzard warning?
Usually not for a nonessential trip. The National Weather Service advises taking blizzard warnings seriously and avoiding travel except in emergencies. A warning signals conditions that can make travel extremely difficult or dangerous; it is not a cue to test whether your vehicle can manage the route.
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Check the latest forecast and road status immediately before departure, since warnings and closures can change. NWS warning criteria vary by office. For example, the Des Moines office describes blizzard conditions as visibility at or below one-quarter mile, winds of at least 35 mph, and a duration of at least three hours. Those figures are that office’s description, not a universal U.S. threshold. See the NWS winter-weather warning guide and Des Moines winter safety guidance, then verify conditions and any route-specific restrictions with your transportation authority.
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Make the go/no-go decision
- Delay or cancel: Choose this for a nonessential trip when a blizzard warning, dangerous icing, whiteout risk, or hazardous road conditions affect your route.
- Change the route: Consider this only if an alternate route is confirmed open and safer; do not assume a longer or less-traveled road is clear.
- Travel only if necessary: Tell someone your route and expected arrival, allow extra time, and be prepared to stop or turn back if conditions worsen.
How do you prepare the car for winter driving?
Before setting out, check tire condition, battery, coolant, and windshield wipers. Clear snow and ice from every window, mirror, and light so you can see and other drivers can see you. Consult your owner’s manual and a tire professional about suitable tires for your vehicle and conditions. Check the transportation authority for your route for any applicable tire, chain, or equipment rules; requirements are not the same everywhere.
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Keep useful emergency supplies in the car
NWS winter-preparedness material recommends carrying supplies that help you stay warm, get help, and manage a delay. The list is a set of useful categories, not an endorsement or test of any particular kit.
- Mobile phone and charger
- Blankets
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- High-calorie, nonperishable food
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Booster cables
For more preparation guidance, see the NWS winter infographics and Burlington office vehicle winter-travel tips.
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How do you drive safely in snow and ice?
Snow and ice reduce traction, so drive more slowly than you would on a clear road and leave substantially more following room. The National Weather Service Albany office states that “Vehicle stopping distances are increased 2-6 times on snow and ice.” This is general safety guidance from the office’s Winter Driving Safety document, not a guarantee for every vehicle, tire, or road.
- Increase following distance and leave room to slow gradually.
- Avoid cruise control on slick roads.
- Brake gently; avoid hard braking, sharp turns, and sudden steering inputs.
- Keep headlights clear and use them in snow so you can see and be seen.
- Allow extra travel time rather than trying to make up time at speed.
What should I do if I can’t see while driving in a snowstorm?
Do not continue driving through visibility so poor that you cannot proceed safely. The NWS instruction is direct: “If you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your car until visibility improves.” Choose the safest available place to stop, as far from moving traffic as you can manage, and wait rather than creeping forward into a whiteout.
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Blowing snow is snow moved by wind, including snow lifted off the ground. It can obscure the road quickly and leave slick patches even where snowfall seems light. If you become stranded and there is no nearby shelter, stay with the vehicle; wind-driven snow and cold can cause disorientation. Follow local emergency instructions if authorities issue them. See the NWS winter-storm guidance for what to do when caught in a storm.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I handle strong wind while driving?
Strong wind can make it harder to control a vehicle, and blowing snow may cut visibility at the same time. Reduce speed to match conditions and keep extra distance from trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers, which are more exposed to wind. Avoid abrupt steering and be ready for gusts, especially in open areas.
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If winds become too dangerous to drive, seek a safe place to shelter where feasible, away from trees and power lines that could fall. The NWS offers additional guidance for what to do during a high-wind event.
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