What defines a Blizzard?

A blizzard is defined specifically as a storm that involves heavy snowfall combined with strong winds, typically resulting in significantly reduced visibility and harsh conditions. For a weather event to be classified as a blizzard, it generally must meet specific criteria that include sustained wind speeds of at least 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) and considerable snowfall that produces low visibility (generally less than a quarter of a mile) for an extended period of time (usually three hours or more).

This definition emphasizes the combination of both snow and wind, which distinguishes blizzards from other weather phenomena. For example, heavy rainfall does not pertain to snowy conditions, nor does an extreme heat wave or a thunderstorm, which involves different weather processes and characteristics altogether. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the essential elements that constitute a blizzard.