Whiteout is a weather phenomenon which is very dangerous and common in the cold snowy regions.

As a condition of weather, a whiteout takes place on the surface, in areas which are draped in snow like the Polar Regions. In such a place, an object will not be able to cast a shadow. The word whiteout is coined from white and blackout. There is a very serious reduction in visibility by snow during a whiteout . The presence of dense clouds which diffuse light further increases the problem.

Types of Whiteouts:

A Whiteout can be of 3 separate kinds:

•  During heavy blizzards or snow storms, the snow which gets blown in the air makes it very difficult to see things clearly. One can not even see objects which are not very far away.

•  During slightly incessant snow falls, the amount of snow may be so heavy that normal vision gets hampered, thus lowering visibility.

•  Whiteouts can take place in normal clear conditions of weather when there is hardly any snowfall. The clouds which are overcast can diffuse the light of the sun. In such a situation one cannot make out or locate the surface of the snowy land. In the polar areas during winter, huge mountains, covered with snow can be hidden under such white clouds. One can also not find the horizon or the slants of a mountain or the entire snowy landscape. One can make out the surface only by placing any dark colored object on the ground.

Risks of Whiteouts :

•  Motorists find it difficult to ride at high speeds during a whiteout .

•  Flights also face big threats from a whiteout.

Whiteout is a weather phenomenon which is restricted to snow-covered regions and it is extremely hazardous.