What does snowstorm mean?
A snowstorm is a period of heavy or violent snowfall, often accompanied by strong winds, blowing snow, and poor visibility. The term is used in ordinary conversation for any significant storm involving snow, but it can also appear in official weather reports when snowfall is expected to create difficult or dangerous travel conditions. Snowstorms may lead to road closures, cancelled flights, school cancellations, and substantial snow accumulation. The word is a compound formed from “snow” and “storm,” and it is related to terms such as “snowfall,” “snowdrift,” and “stormy.” Although “blizzard” can sometimes be used as a synonym, it generally denotes a more intense storm with exceptionally strong winds and reduced visibility. Understanding the distinction helps distinguish an ordinary heavy snowfall from conditions officially classified as a blizzard.
nounA violent or heavy fall of snow, usually accompanied by strong winds. A snowstorm may also cause substantial accumulation and create hazardous travel conditions.
- A violent or heavy fall of snow accompanied by strong winds.
"The snowstorm shut down roads and left thousands of commuters stranded."
"A snowstorm swept across the mountains and buried several passes."
"The forecast warned that a snowstorm could continue through the night."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several snowstorms have delayed trains and flights this winter."
A snowstorm is a snowfall with enough force to make the world disappear behind a wall of white.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snowstorm come from?
“Snowstorm” is an English compound formed from “snow” and “storm,” both of Germanic origin. “Snow” is inherited from the Proto-Germanic *snaus, while “storm” derives from Proto-Germanic *stormaz, a root also reflected in words such as “stormy.” The compound has been used in English since at least the early 19th century to describe a storm characterized by snowfall.
How snowstorm is actually used
Snowstorm is common in everyday speech and formal weather reporting in both British and American English. In some contexts, especially forecasts, blizzard is reserved for conditions meeting specific severity thresholds.
Easily confused with snowstorm
A blizzard is a particularly severe snowstorm characterized by strong winds and greatly reduced visibility, while snowstorm is the broader everyday term for a heavy or stormy snowfall.