1. Severe Storms Background

Index

Introduction

Image: Dr. N. P. Psuty

Severe storms represent an extreme climatic event that affects a region for a short period of time. This is in contrast to the coastal hazards (sea level rise, erosion, et cetera) that persist for longer periods. Severe storms consist primarily of hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, tsunamis, northeasters (nor'easters), and flash floods. In New Jersey, the two most likely or most common severe storms are hurricanes and nor'easters.

Hurricanes

Hurricane Floyd, the most recent Hurricane to directly impact New Jersey, Sept, 1999. Image: Courtesy of NOAA's National Climate Data Center.

As defined by the National Weather Service (www.nws.noaa.gov), or more specifically the National Hurricane Service (www.nhc.noaa.gov), a hurricane is a region-specific term for a tropical cyclone (in the Pacific Ocean they are referred to as typhoons).

Cyclones with sustained winds up to 39mph are tropical depressions; winds up to 74mph are tropical storms. When cyclones' winds reach 74mph they are named a hurricane. More extensive information about hurricanes can be found at the National Hurricane Center's FAQ page.

Nor'Easters

Satellite image of "The Perfect Storm" of Halloween, 1991. Image: Courtesy of NOAA's National Climate Data Center.

Nor'easters form in the mid-latitudes (extra-tropical cyclones), have lower wind speeds that rarely exceed 60 mph, and are more spread out than hurricanes. They form (for the Northeast US) off the coast of Florida or in the Gulf of Mexico and travel up the Coast.

Details about the differences between Hurricanes and Nor'easters can be found at the Multi-community Environmental Storm Observatory website (www.mcwar.org). The most famous Nor'easter of recent years is likely "The Perfect Storm" of Halloween, 1991.

More Information

Search our toolbox for a collection of resources that will be valuable in learning more about severe storms and their impacts on New Jersey.

Index

Useful Links

• Link 1
• Link 2
• Link 3