Weather Dictionary / Glossary of Terms

Heavy Snow


   Weather TermDescription / Definition
   Heavy Snow This generally means...
  • snowfall accumulating to 4" or more in depth in 12 hours or less; or
  • snowfall accumulating to 6" or more in depth in 24 hours or less

In forecasts, snowfall amounts are expressed as a range of values, e.g., "8 to 12 inches." However, in heavy snow situations where there is considerable uncertainty concerning the range of values, more appropriate phrases are used, such as "...up to 12 inches..." or alternatively "...8 inches or more...".


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Data courtesy of NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration