Whiteout

A weather condition where visibility is severely reduced, often to near zero, due to the reflection and scattering of light by a combination of falling snow, blowing snow, and overcast conditions. This creates a uniform white expanse, making it difficult or impossible to distinguish the horizon, ground features, or any objects at a distance. It's a disorienting and dangerous situation, common in polar regions and mountainous areas, leading to navigation challenges and potential hazards for travel. The intensity of a whiteout can vary, but even a mild whiteout poses risks. Whiteouts can also occur due to other factors, such as heavy fog reflecting off snow, or in extreme cases such as the effects of bright lights or flashing on a white background, causing blindness.

Whiteout meaning with examples

• The mountaineering team was forced to halt their ascent due to an unexpected whiteout. The swirling snow and flat light made it impossible to see more than a few feet, significantly increasing the risk of falling or getting lost. Their survival depended on staying put and waiting for improved visibility to navigate the hazardous terrain. It was a nerve-racking and stressful situation for all members of the team.
• Driving conditions quickly deteriorated as the blizzard intensified and a complete whiteout enveloped the highway. Cars became virtually invisible to other vehicles, leading to multiple accidents and a complete standstill. Emergency services struggled to reach stranded motorists amidst the relentless snowfall, causing delays and complications. Road closures were implemented.
• During the Antarctic expedition, the researchers experienced a prolonged whiteout that lasted for several days. Navigation equipment proved useless as the landscape vanished in the blinding white. They relied on their compasses, maps and their knowledge of the terrain to maintain their bearings and stay safe within the boundaries of the camp, working to survive.
• The pilots delayed the take-off due to a severe whiteout at the airport. Even with advanced instrumentation, they were concerned about their ability to land safely. The risks were simply too high, so they followed the guidance of air traffic control and stayed grounded. The whiteout caused numerous flight cancellations and delays throughout the day.
• Photographers attempting to capture images of the arctic landscape had to stop their work. A whiteout was creating difficult lighting conditions. The lack of shadow and definition resulted in images devoid of depth and dimension. They had to take shelter, while waiting for clearer atmospheric conditions or brighter exposure to allow them to restart taking pictures.