An unusual late-season nor'easter has dropped up to 24 inches of snow across the Northeast from Pennsylvania to Maine, snarling spring travel plans and causing widespread power outages as heavy wet snow brought down trees and power lines.
Storm Impact
The storm, classified as a Category 3 nor'easter, was fueled by an unusually cold air mass clashing with warm ocean waters.
- Highest totals: 24" in the Berkshires MA, 22" in northern CT, 20" in the Poconos PA
- Major cities: Boston 14", Hartford 16", New York 8" (rain/snow mix)
- Over 620,000 power outages across 6 states at peak
- 3,200 flights canceled at BOS, JFK, EWR, and PHL combined
Climate Context
While individual weather events cannot be attributed solely to climate change, meteorologists note that warming ocean temperatures provide more moisture for storms, making late-season events more intense when cold air patterns develop. April snowstorms are becoming less frequent but more impactful when they occur.
