Eastern US

Nor'easter

• A large low pressure area that strengthens along the East Coast 
• Moves up the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts
• Creates robust winds from the northeast with heavy snow and/or rain
• Can cause coastal flooding and beach erosion

Back Door Cold Front

• A front that moves east to west, compared to west to east like most storms
• Brings cooler air along Atlantic Seaboard and Great Lakes
• Often accompanied by low clouds and drizzle
• Can cause dramatic temperature contrasts over short distances

Bombogenisis

• Also referred to as a "bomb" 
• A rapidly intensifying storm, usually over Atlantic waters
• Defined by a surface pressure drop of 24 millibars in 24 hours
• Brings rapidly strengthening winds
• Can cause intense bands of rain and snow

Lake-Effect Snow

• Occurs when cold air surges over relatively warm lake water
• Enhanced snow falls downwind of lakes as air picks up moisture, warmth
• Often occurs around the Great Lakes before the lakes freeze in early winter

Cold Air Damming

• Forms in northeastern New England with a cold dome of high pressure
• Air circulates clockwise around the high pressure center
• Winds bank cold air against the eastern Appalachian slopes
• Warmer air is lifted above the cold air as it moves, forming low clouds
• Creates cold, unseasonable weather that can last for days

Waterspout

• A whirling column of air and water mist
• Forms due to instability caused by the contrast of air & water temperature
• Frequently form along Florida coastlines and sometimes over the Great Lakes