Super storm

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the 2007 docudrama see Superstorm (docudrama)

A Super storm is an extremely large and powerful storm that forms when conditions of the atmosphere are right to support a storm of its magnitude. This usually happens when two or more storm systems merge, then are strengthened by a jet stream. These storms are rare and usually occur during winter. A commonly known example of a super storm is the 1993 North American storm complex.

[edit] The Storm

Super storms are very powerful, and because they occur during the winter, they can cause strong snowstorms and blizzards. Many winter storms, though strong, are mistaken for super storms. And while there is no strict definition of what a super storm is, it typically has strong, sometimes hurricane force winds; heavy snow, and or rain; storm surge along the shore; beach erosion, and flooding. Storms of this magnitude only happen when conditions are just right.

[edit] How Super storms form

Several storms and or weather systems must come together in order to form a super storm. Super storms are most common in late fall or early winter because this is when some of the most powerful storms, and sometimes hurricanes are still forming. In a typical setup for a super storm, a storm that forms in the Mid Western United States, will start to develop, and move with the jet stream to reach the east coast. Meanwhile, a tropical system from the Atlantic ocean, that sometimes merges with another tropical storm, and begins to move north. The jet stream then brings the two or three storm systems together, and it begins to strengthen. It develops into a massive storm with heavy precipitation, and high winds. This is how a super storm typically develops.

[edit] Effects

With the majority, of super storms in the Eastern United States, it affects some of the country's biggest cities and airports. Cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. are sometimes greatly affected by these super storms.