At a Glance

Blizzard conditions are possible without falling snow.Strong winds combined with snow that has already fallen can result in a ground blizzard.This is the case with the blizzard warning issued for parts of the Dakotas and western Minnesota.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for portions of eastern North Dakota, eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota even though little to no falling snow is expected.

How can that be? It's actually a simple equation: snow on the ground + strong enough winds = potential for a ground blizzard.

(MORE: Winter Storm Central)

Strong wind gusts of up to 45 mph are possible as an arctic cold front pushes through the northern Plains and upper Midwest into Thursday. There is already snow on the ground in the region, including some recent fluffy snow, and the strong winds can pick up this snow creating whiteout conditions.

As a result, blizzard warnings have been issued for Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning for a ground blizzard.

Some light snow may also accompany the cold front as it tracks through the area.

Wind forecast for early Thursday shown with current snow depth.

You may be surprised to learn that snowfall amounts are not a requirement for conditions to be classified as a blizzard.

The National Weather Service defines a blizzard when the following conditions are met for at least three hours:

Sustained winds or frequent gusts to at least 35 mphConsiderable falling and/or blowing snow (snow that is picked up by strong winds and reduces surface visibility) that frequently reduces visibility to less than a quarter-mile.

The office in Grand Forks, North Dakota, noted in its discussion Wednesday morning that "there was 1 to 7 inches of light fluffy snow yesterday, which will easily be lofted by the anticipated strong north-northwest winds."

Winter weather advisory and winter storm watches are also in effect for parts of this region in areas where there will still be hazardous conditions and reduced visibility but where they will not quite reach the definition of a blizzard.

Blizzard warnings are shown in red and are in effect Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Although temperature is not a part of the definition of a blizzard, this arctic front will bring in another blast of frigid conditions.

Wind chill values as low as 40 below zero are possible which can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Travel is not advised due to the dangerous conditions anticipated, but if you must travel be sure you have a winter survival kit with you.

Areas of the northern and central Plains, as well as portions of the West, are no stranger to ground blizzards.

Due to the potential for rapidly changing conditions, it is important to heed any warnings that are issued. Here is an example of a in Colorado earlier this week.

In the northern Plains, visibility will gradually improve on Thursday as winds will decrease. However, the concern of dangerously low wind chills will persist into late week.