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SCARBOROUGH, Maine — An uncommon May nor’easter brought significant rainfall to New England on Thursday, even posing a threat of snow in higher terrains as the region prepared for the Memorial Day weekend. Such late-season storms are atypical, raising questions about changing weather patterns.
Unusual May Nor’easter Impacts Northeastern States
Nor’easters generally occur in the late fall and winter seasons, characterized by powerful winds, turbulent seas, and precipitation in the form of rain or snow. This week’s nor’easter was predicted to bring wind gusts exceeding 40 mph and rainfall of up to 2 inches in certain areas. Weather experts indicated that snowfall was possible in the mountainous regions of Maine and New Hampshire.
The storm cast dark skies across New England, contrasting with the sunshine and outdoor gatherings typically associated with this time of year. It was anticipated to persist into Friday, causing disruptions and potential hazards.
Understanding Nor’easters
What Defines a Nor’easter?
A nor’easter is a storm system prevalent along the East Coast, named for the direction of its winds, which typically originate from the northeast over coastal regions, according to the National Weather Service. While these storms can arise at any point during the year, they are most frequent and intense between September and April.
Historical Impact and Damage
Historically, nor’easters have been responsible for billions of dollars in damages. Their peak intensity is often observed in New England and eastern Canada. These storms commonly disrupt transportation, power grids, and can inflict considerable damage to residential and commercial properties.
Meteorological Perspective
According to Kyle Pederson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Boston, “We have a stronger jet stream, which is helping intensify a low pressure system that just happens to be coming up the coast. And so that’s how it got the nor’easter name.”
Rain and Potential Snowfall
Initial Impact and Affected Areas
The nor’easter made its presence felt in Boston with substantial rainfall and strong winds early Thursday. Southern Massachusetts also experienced heavy precipitation, leading to challenging conditions for morning commuters.
Areas of Greatest Rainfall
- Rhode Island
- Southern Massachusetts
- Eastern Massachusetts
Pederson noted that the heaviest rainfall was expected to concentrate in these areas. While localized flooding and difficult driving were anticipated on Thursday, widespread, catastrophic flooding was not expected.
Coastal Warnings and Forecast
Coastal flood advisories and gale warnings were issued for numerous coastal regions of New England and New York on Thursday.
The forecast indicated that the storm would gradually dissipate, leaving behind light rain and intermittent drizzle on Friday.
Minimal Flooding Expected
“It’s just really a nice dose of rain for the region — not expecting much for flooding,” Pederson stated.
Snowfall was primarily expected in mountainous areas, where accumulations were possible.
The Rarity of May Nor’easters
Seasonal Anomalies
Nor’easters are predominantly winter phenomena, making their occurrence in May a rare event. They typically develop when significant temperature contrasts exist between west and east during winter, with cold air masses over land and relatively warmer ocean temperatures.
Atmospheric Factors
Currently, the atmosphere is experiencing a disruption due to a high-pressure system in the Canadian Arctic, which is channeling unusually cold air southward over the Northeast. Additionally, a low-pressure system off the East Coast is being strengthened by an unusually southward-positioned jet stream.
Expert Analysis
“It really is a kind of a winter-type setup that you rarely see this late,” explained Judah Cohen, seasonal forecast director at Atmospheric and Environmental Research.
Potential Had Conditions Been Different
Cohen added that had this atmospheric pattern occurred two months earlier, “we’d be talking about a crippling snowstorm in the Northeastern U.S., not just a wet start to Memorial Day weekend.”