What is a Nor'easter?

Answer 1

A nor'easter (also known as a northeaster) is a macro-scale storm whose winds come from the northeast, especially in the coastal areas of the Northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada. More specifically, it describes a low pressure area whose center of rotation is just off the coast and whose leading winds in the left forward quadrant rotate onto land from the northeast. The precipitation pattern is similar to other extratropical storms. They also can cause coastal flooding, coastal erosion and gale force winds. Nor'easters are usually formed by an area of vorticity associated with an upper level disturbance or from a kink in a frontal surface that causes a surface low pressure area to develop. Such storms often move slowly in their latter, frequently intense, mature stage. Until the nor'easter passes, thick dark clouds often block out the sun. During a single storm, the precipitation can range from a torrential downpour to a fine mist. Low temperatures and wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour are also associated with a nor'easter. On very rare occasions, such as the North American blizzard of 2006, and a nor'easter in 1979, the center of the storm can even take on the circular shape more typical of a hurricane and have a small eye. The northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada, particularly the New England coast and Nova Scotia see nor'easters each year, most often in the winter and early spring, but also sometimes during the autumn. These storms can leave inches of rain or several feet of snow on the region, and sometimes last for several days. The Atlantic coast, from northern Georgia northward up the coast, can suffer high winds, pounding surf and extreme rains during these storms. Nor'easters cause a significant amount of severe beach erosion in these areas, as well as flooding in the associated low-lying areas. Beach residents in these areas may actually fear the repeated depredations of Nor'easters over those of hurricanes, because they happen more frequently, and cause substantial damage to beachfront property and their dunes.

Answer 2

A Nor'easter is a strong storm that typically develops along the East Coast of North America, bringing strong winds, heavy rain or snow, and coastal flooding. They are most common during the fall and winter months and can have a significant impact on transportation and infrastructure in affected areas.