How to defend against pawn storms?

Vague question, I know, but what must be kept in mind when defending against a dubious attack? (Running the H-Pawn down the board.) I always fall prey to it, no matter how hard I try to defend. Clearly, I'm doing something wrong.

Can you link us some games as examples?

You can't "defend" against pawns storms from opposite castles. The best you can do is counter attack and rely on your skills to defend yourself properly and get to his king first. It does depend on the situation though. I don't have much experience with same side pawns storms but they're usually not a threat along as your pieces coordinate well. You can just avoid lines that there are pawn storms like the Sicilian dragon: Yugoslav attack or the king's Indian defense.

Oh and counterattack in the center and open things up if your opponent weakens his king position.

I can't stand when your opponent does this. Many times they push lots of pawns showing they don't intend to castle. I think, "Oh well, I'll focus on king safety and quickly attack their king." But I usually end up with really bad pawn structures.

What I do if black, if they play h5, I might play h6. Or if they push h6, play g6. Or if you can maybe let them capture your pawn on g7 and capture back.

wouldn't it be better to not push your pawns in front of your king until you are forced too? It only creates weaknesses for your opponent to exploit

The best defense against a pawn storm is an umbrella :P

Otherwise there is no one single answer. Each case of a pawn storm could be different. I think the advice given by XxOfficalMasterxX was excellent on the subject.

If a player strikes on a wing you counter in the center. Sometimes you have to counter on the opposite wing. Close things up and don't overreact. I see a lot of players overreact to an attack on say the kingside. When they can make a couple of prophylactic moves and avoid the attack all together. Personally I would make all my moves to get my king safe and tuck it in the corner before the attack comes if you fall victim to this a lot.

@noob2chess #8 ^^^ reading this comment makes me want to challenge you to a game.

Can the original poster give us an example? I think everyone has covered the generals already