Storms
Storm terminology — from nor'easters to thundersnow. The words that describe the most dangerous winter weather events.
Ice Storm
A storm that produces freezing rain heavy enough to coat surfaces with at least a quarter-inch of ice. Ice storms are infamous for crippling power grids by snapping tree limbs and power lines.
Nor'easter
A powerful storm system that strikes the U.S. East Coast with strong northeasterly winds. Nor'easters are notorious for producing blizzards in winter and damaging coastal flooding year-round.
Thunderstorm
A storm produced by cumulonimbus clouds, accompanied by thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and often hail or strong winds. Severe thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can produce winds over 300 mph and remain the most destructive small-scale weather phenomenon on Earth.