Transcript Winter Storms the deceptive killers

What is a Nor’easter?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGnIQ
Dv-ZuM
Forecast
What is a Nor’easter?
“The official definition of a “Nor'easter” is a
strong low pressure system that affects the
Mid-Atlantic and New England states. It can
form over the land of the eastern U.S. or over
the Atlantic coastal waters. These winter
events are notorious for producing heavy
snow, rain, and tremendous waves that crash
onto Atlantic beaches, often causing beach
erosion and structural damage.”
Nor’easter definition continued:
www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/faq/
• “Wind gusts associated with these storms
can exceed hurricane force in intensity. A
nor'easter gets its name from the
continuously strong northeasterly winds
blowing in from the ocean ahead of the
storm and over the coastal areas. What
makes them so strong is the warm and
moist air from the Atlantic that feeds the
storm, causing it to grow explosively.”
Nor\'easter Facts:
• can form over land or over coastal waters
• are winter weather events (October-April)
• produce heavy snow, rain, and waves that
can cause beach erosion/structural
damage
• Winds can exceed hurricane force
Are Nor’Easters Blizzards?
• Not all Nor’easters are blizzards but some
do meet the qualifications for being
classified as a blizzard:
• Large amounts snow/blowing snow
• winds > 35mph with
• <1/4 mile visibility (> 3hrs)
•
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/what-is-a-blizzard/5674708
Satellite image of
the intense
nor'easter
responsible for
the blizzard of
2006. Note the
hurricane-like eye
at the center.
How are
Nor’easters
Formed
•
http://www.usatoday.com/videos/weather/2014/11/26/19537125/
Nor’easter ingredients
1. Low-pressure system
formed over the Gulf Stream current off coast
of Florida (warm, moist air);
counter-clockwise winds
2.Northeasterly winds bring Low-pressure
system up east coast
3. High-pressure system (clockwise winds)
blows down from Canada. When two systems
meet, precipitation is produced
Nor’Easter Storm Dangers
• Traffic accidents
• Heart attacks while
shoveling
• Hypothermia from
exposure to cold
• Frost bite due to wind
chill
• Beach
erosion/damage
What would you do?
• http://safeshare.tv/w/IAKhZDAJJR