Experts give dire warning: the next “Storm of the Century” will be even more devastating
A new study warns that future nor’easters could unleash more snow, stronger winds, and historic damage across the U.S. East Coast.
A new climate study has revealed that the next so-called “Storm of the Century” — a catastrophic nor’easter like those that crippled cities in 1993 and 2010 — could be even more destructive than anything we’ve seen before.
Researchers warn that climate change is supercharging winter storms, making them less frequent but far more powerful, with heavier snow, stronger winds, and record-shattering rainfall.
What is a Nor’easter — and why should we be worried now?
Nor’easters are intense winter storms that typically form between September and April, fueled by the clash between frigid Arctic air and warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean.
But that balance is now shifting. As ocean and air temperatures rise due to global warming, the mechanics of these storms are changing — and not in our favor.
According to Dr. Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, warmer seas lead to more evaporation. That means more moisture in the atmosphere — and ultimately, more snow or rain dumped over major metropolitan areas like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Stronger, not safer: How climate change Is amplifying winter storms
It may seem counterintuitive, but researchers say we’re likely to see fewer nor’easters overall — and yet, the ones that do form will pack a far deadlier punch.
The data backs it up: After analyzing nearly 900 storms over the past 85 years, scientists found that average wind speeds in nor’easters have increased by 6% since 1940. That might sound modest — but that slight uptick equates to 20% more destructive power when storms hit.
And it’s not just the wind. The same study showed that nor’easters are also dropping 10% more precipitation, leading to higher flood risks and deeper snowfalls.
“Individual events may pack a bigger punch,” Mann told CNN.
Will the next “Storm of the Century” be worse than 1993 or 2010?
Many still remember the devastation of the 1993 “Storm of the Century”, which paralyzed much of the eastern U.S., or the infamous “Snowmageddon” of 2010, which buried cities and knocked out power to millions.
Now, scientists are warning: the next one could be worse.
Jennifer Francis, a senior scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, says preparedness is crucial, because waiting until the storm hits is far more costly than planning ahead.
“Proactive preparation is less costly than post-storm recovery,” she told CNN.
And Judah Cohen, a climatologist at MIT, echoed her concerns. He cautioned that while climate change is often associated with milder winters, it can also trigger intense cold snaps and massive snow events that catch communities off guard.
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