Nor'Easters-Green

Introduction The nor'easter struck the coast with horrific force. Winds of up to 75 mph whipped up waves that slammed against the seawalls. Deep erosion from the persistent waves caused the heavy sandbag barriers to topple splashing into the turbulent sea. The remains of coastal houses slip into the depths. Heavy snow along with the strong northeasterly drafts bent the bows of the local foliage, slowly yet surely cracking the fibers of branches and leaves from their ancient perch. Between the months of September and April nor'easter's form into some of histories most destructive storms, ravaging the coastal areas of states from Maine to the Carolinas and the maritime lands off The Gulf of Mexico(3, 2, 4, 5). Colliding forces of warm and cold air crash together in an oceanic depression to form Nor'easters(3, 2, 4, 6). As a result, heavy precipitation and erosion of the beaches can occur. Without proper safety measures taken, Nor'easters can be some of the most dangerous storms in the world.
 * Nor'Easters** Sam Z. & Andrew S. Green Class

Dangers When a Nor'easter sweeps up the North Atlantic coast vast amounts of rain and snow fall from the sky and cause heavy flooding. Huge waves and heavy flooding eventually create erosion along the coast(2, 4, 5). During the "Super Storm" of March 13, in 1993 scoured 70 to 100 feet from the beaches of Fire Island(3). When beach and land near the beach is rushed away by the oncoming currents, homes and buildings nearby are in danger of losing their foundations collapsing. In the "Super Storm" of March 13, 1993 there were over 2 billion dollars of property damage(3). Heavy rain and snow can create flooding and more potential problems for people living on the coast. In New York during the storm of February 2006, a record 26.9 inches of snow destroyed transportation systems that most New Yorkers rely on to get around(4). An additional danger of a Nor'easter is the enormous waves. During the "Super Storm" a 600 foot ship was toppled and sunk due to extreme waves and heavy rain. The combination of these extreme conditions can wreak havoc on seaside communities(3).

Polar air from the jet stream and warm Gulf Stream air meets in a depression in the ocean that makes storm. Conditions of Formation

Nor'easters are deadly storms that form off the East coast of the United States. Nor'easters are considered mid-latitude cyclones or otherwise known as Great Lake storms(7). Nor'easter start with a center of low pressure formed in the south (around the Carolinas) and are brought northeasterly by the Polar jetstream. The factors of the jetstream combined with the Coriolis Effect cause this depression to form into a Low pressure zone known as a cyclone(7). All cyclones rotate counterclockwise due to the press of the prevailing westerlies and polar easterlies plus the counterclockwise rotation of air over the Atlantic ocean brings warm moist air from the ocean over onto land(7). This current then meets cool polar air masses traveling south along the Labrador current, intensifying the area of low pressure(6). From the funnel of the cyclone intense north easterly winds carrying heavy precipitation extend from the storm. The intensifying low pressure zone also increases the pressure gradient of the air around it creating chaotic weather. Intensity of the storm is also dependant on how far out to sea the storm has formed(7). The farther out to sea a storm is, the more air and moisture that it can pick up on its path.  Historical Examples March 13th 1993: storm of the century. This Nor'easter had the largest affect on the U.S in its history. It had affects on twenty six states and two hundred lives were lost.(3) Smashed by the large waves a 600 foot ship was sunk while, one hundred and sixty people had to be saved by the coast guard in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Property damage reached an all-time-high amount of about two billion dollars.(3) Clearly Nor'easter's have to be taken seriously, this being an example. Nor'easters have been happening for hundreds of years and one of the more damaging storms that ever happened occurred in the year of 1888. Throughout this historic storm 400 people died, average snow was 40-50 inches, and 200 boats were grounded. Evidence from the past shows that without the proper preparation a Nor'easter can be extremely devastating. For on another Nor'easter in 1991 click on this link for live coverage of the storm. @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDaLJ3Qdzv4

Safety Historically Nor'easters have killed hundreds of people and have caused billions of dollars in damage along the East coast of the United States. Yet preparations can be made to prevent extensive damage and harm to yourself and people around you. They include: 1.Stock up on foods and drinks before the nor'easter is expected to hit.(4) 2.In the event of a power failure, make sure that flashlights and candles are easily accessible.(4) 3.In the event of a flood, have a designed escape route from your house.(4) 4.Any objects hanging on your house that are subject to being blown away are removed and placed in a safe area.(4) 5.Keep all pets inside the house for their safety.(4) During a Winter Storm Watch you should: 1.Listen to local radio, and television stations for updates(4,5) 2.Avoid traveling outdoors(4,5) 3.Be ready for changing conditions(5) If you are planning in driving in severe weather make sure that you: 1.Carry and emergency supply kit in your car(5) 2.Let someone know where you are going in case you end up getting stuck so they can help you(5) 3.Conserve as much fuel as possible(5) 4.Have enough anti-freeze in your car(5) 5.The heaters and defrosters work properly(5) 6.Have proper tires with the proper treads(5) 7.Have enough windshield-wiper fluid(5) These guidelines if followed correctly will lead to the safety of you and your family during a nor'easter.

For more information on how to preserve your food during a storm refer to @http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2009/11/usada_food_safety_noreaster.html for more details.

Sources (1) Tarbuck, Edward J., and Frederick K. Lutgens. //Earth Science//. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1997. Print

(2) " Nor'easters ." //weather.com////.// Web. 17 Jan. 2012. .

(3) "Nor'easter." //Ocean Beach Fire Island - Fun in the Sun!//Web. 17 Jan. 2012. < http://ocean-beach.com/weather_norester_history.htm //>.//

// (4) "Protecting Lives & Property." //NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration//. Web. 17 Jan. 2012. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .//

// (5)"Winter Storm & Nor'easter." __Prepare Delaware__. 17 Jan. 2012 . //

// (6)"Nor'easters." //Live Simulations//. Web. 17 Jan. 2012. .//

// (7)"Nor'easters: Comprehension. Preparation. Survival." //Internet Archive: Wayback Machine//. Web. 17 Jan. 2012. aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa //