SCARBOROUGH, Maine — An unexpected May nor’easter drenched the New England region on Thursday, setting the stage for potential snowfall at higher altitudes just as states geared up for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The distinctive weather pattern, commonly seen in late fall and winter, is known for bringing high winds, turbulent seas, and precipitation which can manifest as rain or snow. This particular nor’easter might bring wind gusts exceeding 40 mph (64 kph) and more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain in certain areas. Predictions mentioned possible snowfall in the mountains across Maine and New Hampshire.
As New England experienced unusual dark skies, an unexpected cold grip brought temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to areas like Portland, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; and Montpelier, Vermont. The storm was projected to persist into Friday.
A nor’easter, as described by the National Weather Service, is a type of East Coast storm influenced by northeast winds over the coastal region. While these storms can occur throughout the year, they are most potent and frequent between September and April. Historically, nor’easters have inflicted billions of dollars in damages and reached peak intensity across New England and eastern Canada. Their impact often extends to disrupting traffic, power systems, and causing substantial damage to infrastructures.
“We’re seeing a stronger jet stream aiding a low-pressure system along the coast, thus giving rise to this nor’easter,” explained Kyle Pederson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Boston.
Boston felt the effects of heavy rains and gusty winds from Thursday morning onwards. Southern Massachusetts faced downpours that complicated both morning and evening travel.
The heaviest rainfall was anticipated in Rhode Island and southern and eastern Massachusetts, according to Pederson. Although there were concerns about minor flooding and challenging driving conditions on Thursday, any severe flooding was not within expectations.
By midafternoon, Providence experienced wind and continual rain. Further north, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, lobster boats tussled with choppy seas under strong winds.
Thursday saw the cancellation of more than 60 flights at Boston Logan International Airport, with over 300 delays reported. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ceased operations for three commuter ferries due to the rough seas.
Elsewhere, service disruptions were noted, such as the cessation of the Block Island Ferry due to adverse conditions at sea.
Coastal flood advisories and gale warnings were issued across New England and New York’s coastal areas on Thursday. The storm was expected to taper off, leaving behind light rain and mist on Friday.
“This is more about a healthy dose of rain for the region — widespread flooding isn’t anticipated,” Pederson remarked. Snowfall was likely limited to elevated mountain regions, where some accumulation could occur.
Typically, nor’easters are winter phenomena, and such occurrences in May are rare. These storms form during winter when there are substantial temperature differences from west to east, with cold air over land and comparatively warm ocean waters.
Currently, an atmospheric traffic jam, due to high pressure in the Canadian Arctic, is channeling unusually cold air over the Northeast. A low-pressure system off the East Coast, energized by a southerly-shifted jet stream, is fueling this unusual weather event.
“It’s a winter-like scenario, rarely seen so late in the season,” Judah Cohen, a seasonal forecast director at Atmospheric and Environmental Research, noted.
Had this atmospheric configuration emerged two months earlier, he observed, “we would likely be discussing a significant snowstorm in the Northeastern U.S., rather than a wet start to Memorial Day weekend.”