Crossword Genius

Black reptile reported in snowstorm (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blizzard

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'snowstorm' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for blizzard that I've seen before include "Storm of wind and snow" , "White storm" , "awful weather" , "Windy snowstorm" , "Atrocious weather" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Telegraph.
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