snowstorm
gb/snˈoʊstˌɔɹm/ us/snˈoʊstˌɔɹm/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
storm with heavy falling snow
A time when a lot of snow falls and the weather is bad.
Usage pattern:
a snowstorm; a snowstorm hits [place]; in/through a snowstorm
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use snowstorm for any snowfall; a snowstorm usually implies rough, disruptive weather (often with wind).
Synonyms
blizzard (Often stronger and more dangerous, with very high winds and very low visibility.)
|
snow squall (Typically shorter and more sudden than a snowstorm.)
Antonyms
clear skies (Weather with no storm and good visibility.)
Collocations
a heavy snowstorm
|a severe snowstorm
|a major snowstorm
|a sudden snowstorm
|an overnight snowstorm
|a winter snowstorm
|a snowstorm hits
|a snowstorm moves in
|caught in a snowstorm
|travel during a snowstorm
Themes
weather
|nature
|travel
Examples
- A snowstorm swept across the region overnight, closing schools and offices.
- We got stuck on the highway when the snowstorm reduced visibility to almost zero.
- The forecast says a snowstorm could arrive late Friday and continue into Saturday.
Learner examples
- There is a snowstorm today.
- We stayed home because of the snowstorm.
Grammar
Dictionary form
snowstorm
IPA
GB/snˈoʊstˌɔɹm/
US/snˈoʊstˌɔɹm/
Syllables & stress
snowstorm (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (snowstorm)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: snowstorm
- Plural: snowstorms
Expressions
snowstorm conditions
1/snˈoʊstˌɔɹm kəndˈɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
dangerous weather with heavy snow
Bad weather with a lot of snow that makes it hard to see or travel.
Examples
- The rescue teams trained to operate in snowstorm conditions.
- Police urged people not to drive in snowstorm conditions unless it was essential.
- Landing was delayed because of snowstorm conditions at the airport.
snowstorm warning
1/snˈoʊstˌɔɹm wˈɔɹnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
notice that a snowstorm is coming
An announcement that a snowstorm is expected soon.
Examples
- The weather service issued a snowstorm warning for the northern counties.
- Several flights were canceled after a snowstorm warning was announced.
- Drivers were told to avoid unnecessary travel while the snowstorm warning remained in effect.