snowstorm
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snowstorm
A strong storm with heavy snowfall and often strong wind as well, which severely reduces visibility and leads to snowdrifts.
Wegen des heftigen Schneesturms wurden alle Flüge gestrichen und die Schulen geschlossen.
Because of the severe snowstorm, all flights were canceled and the schools were closed.
'Schneesturm' (snowstorm) is a compound noun made up of 'der Schnee' (snow) and 'der Sturm' (storm). So it literally describes a storm that brings snow with it.
Ein leichter Schneefall ist noch kein Schneesturm.
Light snowfall is not yet a snowstorm.
A snowstorm is often described with strong verbs and adjectives. Typical formulations are: 'ein Schneesturm tobt' (a snowstorm is raging), 'zieht auf' (is gathering/approaching), or 'nähert sich' (is approaching), as well as 'ein heftiger' (a severe), 'schwerer' (heavy), or 'plötzlicher' (sudden) 'Schneesturm' (snowstorm).
Die Meteorologen warnten vor einem aufziehenden Schneesturm.
The meteorologists warned of an approaching snowstorm.
The word is frequently used in connection with its negative consequences. Typical situations are: 'im Schneesturm stecken bleiben' (to get stuck in a snowstorm), 'vom Schneesturm überrascht werden' (to be caught by surprise by a snowstorm), or 'der Verkehr bricht im Schneesturm zusammen' (traffic collapses in the snowstorm).
Viele Autofahrer blieben im Schneesturm auf der Autobahn stecken.
Many drivers got stuck on the highway in the snowstorm.
blizzard
'Blizzard' and 'Schneesturm' both mean a strong storm with snow, wind, and poor visibility. 'Schneesturm' is the normal German word and fits in almost all everyday situations. 'Blizzard' sounds more specific and often more dramatic; it is used especially for a very severe snowstorm. The words can easily be confused because in many situations they describe the same weather. As a simple guide: in normal conversation, 'Schneesturm' is usually more natural; for an extremely strong storm, 'Blizzard' can also fit.
Der Schneesturm war so stark, dass wir das Auto stehen ließen.
The snowstorm was so strong that we left the car behind.
Wegen eines Blizzards musste der Flughafen mehrere Flüge streichen.
Because of a blizzard, the airport had to cancel several flights.