A snowstorm is a weather event where large amounts of snow fall, usually accompanied by strong winds. During a snowstorm, thick snowflakes fill the air so densely that it becomes hard to see very far ahead. The wind whips the snow around, creating drifts that pile up against buildings, cars, and fences.

Snowstorms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. A particularly severe snowstorm with violent winds and heavy snowfall is called a blizzard. Schools often close during serious snowstorms because roads become dangerous and visibility drops. After a snowstorm passes, neighborhoods transform into white landscapes, and people spend hours shoveling driveways and clearing sidewalks.

The intensity of snowstorms varies greatly. A light snowstorm might dust everything with just an inch or two of powder, while a major snowstorm can dump several feet of snow, stranding vehicles and shutting down entire cities. Meteorologists track approaching snowstorms carefully, issuing warnings so people can prepare by stocking up on supplies and staying off the roads if possible.