00:00Hurricanes and nor'easters are basically weather cousins. They can both bring damaging winds, flooding, huge waves, and coastal flooding.
00:06So what's the difference? Well, it's how they get there. Hurricanes are tropical systems.
00:10They need warm ocean water, usually at least 80 degrees, plus plenty of moisture and low wind shear to develop
00:16and strengthen.
00:17Nor'easters are not tropical. They typically form along the east coast when cold air moving south meets warmer, moist
00:23air over the Atlantic.
00:24That temperature contrast helps strengthen an area of low pressure.
00:27And unlike hurricanes, nor'easters can actually thrive during the colder months.
00:31They can bring heavy rain or snow, damaging winds, massive waves, and significant coastal flooding.
00:36So think of it this way. Hurricanes feed off warm tropical waters. Nor'easters feed off big differences in temperature.
00:42Different recipes? Similar potential for major impacts.
