And since Old Man Winter wanted to bring a large snowstorm to the Northeast, let’s talk about the different types of winter storms.
There are two main types of winter storms. One is a nor’easter and the other is called a clipper. They both are created by low pressure systems and they typically happen most commonly during the winter months.
A nor’easter forms at sea and can often sustain hurricane-force winds but are not named like hurricanes or put on a scale. These storms often bring blizzards, high winds, chilly conditions, and coastal flooding. They normally make landfall anywhere in the mid-Atlantic region to up in New England. Nor’easter’s can also be called a northeaster because that is the direction in which they normally travel.
Two notable nor’easters are the Great Blizzard of 1888 and the “Perfect Storm” which occurred during 1991.
A clipper, on the other hand, develops over land. They are also called Alberta Clippers because they form near Alberta, Canada. These storms normally bring snow, normally between 1-3 inches, but sometimes more, colder temps, and blustery conditions. These storms normally occur between December and February.
I hope that after these last few days that winter departs sooner rather than later.