Keep three days of food, water and supplies on hand, have a communications plan, and never drive into flood waters during a nor'easter.
What a nor'easter is
A coastal storm along the East Coast of North America that usually brings heavy rain or snow, gale-force winds, rough seas and sometimes coastal flooding. The name comes from the typical wind direction over the coast, which is from the northeast.
When and where
Nor'easters can occur any time of year but are most frequent and most violent from September through April. They usually form between Georgia and New Jersey, within about 100 miles east or west of the coast, and move northeast, typically reaching peak intensity near New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
Why they form
Winter temperature contrasts fuel them: cold Arctic air moving over land meets warmer air over the Atlantic, which is kept mild by the Gulf Stream.
Impacts
The densely populated I-95 corridor, including Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston, is especially affected. Past storms caused billions of dollars in damage and major transportation and economic disruption, and the worst can cause over $1 billion in damage.
Notable storms
The National Weather Service lists the Blizzard of 1888, the Ash Wednesday storm of March 1962, the New England Blizzard of February 1978, the March 1993 Superstorm and the Boston snowstorms of January and February 2015.
Alerts and safety
Forecasters may issue winter storm, blizzard, high wind or coastal flood watches, which become warnings when the storm is imminent. The NWS advises keeping three days of food, water and supplies, making an emergency communications plan, staying off roads if local authorities advise it, and never driving into flood waters. See our winter storm guides.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Common questions
What is a nor'easter?
A coastal storm along the East Coast of North America that usually brings heavy rain or snow, gale-force winds, rough seas and sometimes coastal flooding. The name comes from the typical wind direction over the coast, from the northeast.
What was the worst nor'easter on record?
The National Weather Service does not rank them. It lists notable storms: the Blizzard of 1888, the Ash Wednesday storm of March 1962, the New England Blizzard of February 1978, the March 1993 Superstorm and the Boston snowstorms of January and February 2015. It says the worst storms can cause over $1 billion in damage.
Is there a nor'easter right now?
Check active winter storm, blizzard, high wind and coastal flood alerts on our alerts pages and your local National Weather Service office.
Sources
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 27, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.