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
Schneesturm is the general term for a strong storm with snow. Blizzard is usually used for a particularly severe snowstorm with persistently strong winds and very poor visibility. The distinction is not always clear-cut, but Blizzard emphasizes the extreme severity.
Der Schneesturm brachte am Abend starken Wind und schlechte Sicht.
The snowstorm brought strong winds and poor visibility that evening.
Der Blizzard tobte die ganze Nacht mit heftigem Wind und fast ohne Sicht.
The blizzard raged all night with strong winds and almost no visibility.
