Nor’easter Affects Atlantic Coast

This week, a nor’easter has brought heavy rain and strong winds to the east coast and is expected to linger around through Friday morning. According to NOAA, a nor’easter is “a cyclonic storm that moves along the east coast of North America. It’s called “nor’easter” because the winds over coastal areas blow from a northeasterly direction.”

These storms are formed due to the difference in temperature between the polar jet and the mild ocean waters. Nor’easters are most common between the months of September and April, and become most intense in New England and up into Canada. They can bring heavy rain and snow, strong winds, and rough surf to the east coast of the country.

In regards to the current nor’easter, a wind advisory and flood watch are in effect for Boston, as well as many of the surrounding areas. Rainfall of up to six inches and wind gusts up to 50 mph could affect some areas in the state of Maine as this nor’easter swirls off the Atlantic coast.

Gale warnings are also in effect for parts the east coast with gusts of 35 to 40 kts; high surf and the increased risk of beach erosion will occur as a result (Capital Weather Gang). Below is a map from the Weather Prediction Center with the 48-hour quantitative precipitation forecast: