Here's a breakdown:
* Nimbostratus clouds: These are thick, dark grey clouds that often cover the entire sky. They are associated with steady, persistent rain or snow and can significantly reduce sunlight.
* Cumulonimbus clouds: These are the thunderstorm clouds, often towering and anvil-shaped. They are capable of producing heavy rain, hail, lightning, and even tornadoes. Their immense size and density can completely block out sunlight, creating a dramatic, almost eerie darkness.
While other types of clouds like altostratus or stratus can be thick, they usually don't block out sunlight completely. They might create a gloomy or overcast atmosphere but allow some light to penetrate.
It's important to note that the ability of a cloud to block sunlight depends on several factors, including its thickness, density, and water content. Even a thin cloud can block sunlight significantly if it is composed of dense water droplets.