Types of Storms

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricanes, Blizzards, Nor’easters and Microbursts

Although most people experience a range of storms during the winter season, most remain unclear on the differences between hurricanes, blizzards, nor’easters, and microbursts. First, let’s examine hurricanes, also called tropical cyclones. They form over large bodies of water, and involve rising hot air (from the ocean), and sinking cool air (from higher up in the atmosphere). Hurricanes affect large areas and feature strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall. A blizzard, on the other hand, is a much more localized storm and features heavy snowfall accompanied by high winds. Blizzards do not last as long as hurricanes, and generally dissipate within a single day. Nor’easters are a specific type of blizzard, which develops along the New England and eastern Canada coasts.

A Nor’easter is much larger than a typical blizzard, and also features some hurricane-like traits, namely the formation of a low-pressure area off the coast, which pushes strong winds from the northeast, often causing havoc on the coast. Finally, microbursts are localized thunderstorms that are caused by a downward motion of air within a thunder cloud. They are short-lasting and can often be destructive. All of these types of storms can cause severe damage to both residential and commercial buildings, however, the ferocity and speed of winds are highest in the case of hurricanes (depending on intensity) and microbursts. On the other hand, nor’easters can be extremely damaging to the coastline, and heavy blizzards can often dump enough snow to collapse roofs and bring down trees.

When a storm strikes the Plymouth Area, and your home or business suffers storm damage- leave it to the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Bridgewater/Sharon at (508) 697-5439