Whiteout or white-out [1] is a weather condition in which visibility and contrast are severely reduced by snow, fog, or sand. The horizon disappears from view while the sky and landscape appear featureless, leaving no points of visual reference by which to navigate.

Feb 18, 2013 · It occurs when snow (or even sand) reduces visibility to next to zero. When the ground is covered in a white blanket of snow, new snow that falls from a lake-effect storm or a …

Jan 21, 2024 · Take all the most problematic winter conditions, give them a shake to mix them up good and proper, and release. The result is a whiteout, an unnerving phenomenon that occurs when the snowy terrain below your feet becomes indistinguishable from the sky in front of you.

Whiteout can be caused a number of ways. Typically whiteout is caused by an even dense layer of low cloud over a snow field. The sun light is heavily diffused through the cloud, and then further scattered while reflecting between the snow surface and cloud layer. The lack of a single light source results in a lack of definition.

Mar 9, 2023 · Not to be confused with a popular and similarly spelled product used to correct typing errors, in meteorology, a whiteout occurs when snow on the ground and blowing snow in the sky combine to...

Jan 10, 2024 · A blizzard is characterized by strong winds blowing at speeds above 35 mph and reduced visibility of less than 1/4 mile for more than 3 hours. On the other hand, a whiteout is a weather condition in which snow-covered landscapes …

Feb 20, 2023 · Whiteout conditions can be deadly. Here are the best ways to stay safe. - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather.com

Local, short-duration whiteout conditions can be created artificially in the vicinity of airports and helipads due to aircraft operations. With few trees or other obstructions to reduce wind and …

Whiteout conditions pose threats to mountain climbers, skiers, aviation, and mobile ground traffic. Motorists, especially those on large high-speed routes, are also at risk. There have been many major multiple-vehicle collisions associated with whiteout conditions.

A whiteout is the term that refers to a severe storm condition with blowing snow, wind drifts, and high winds with reduced visibility. When the sky is overcast and the ground is snow covered, the landscape may appear entirely white, with no visible horizon.