This time of the year around our area, which is southeastern Minnesota, it's zero visibility.

NPR: River Poses Hazard for Dive Teams

The weather service warned that whiteout conditions are likely with near-zero visibility because of blowing, drifting snow.

WSJ: Heavy snow, strong winds to blow across NE coast

Authorities from various agencies converged on the scene, their task of finding the two people complicated by zero visibility in the cold, fast-moving, debris-filled waters.

CNN: March 16, 2013 -- Updated 0041 GMT (0841 HKT)