More than 60 million people are in the path of a dangerous nor'easter.
Gale-forced winds downed trees and utility lines and knocked out power to more than 600,000 homes and businesses as the "bomb cyclone" hammered its way through New England and parts of New York early Thursday, according to USA Today.
Meteorologists and forecasters all across the country predicted it would hit late Wednesday into Thursday.
A "bomb cyclone" is a storm that strengthens very rapidly, earning its title when pressure drops 24 millibars within 24 hours. The term "bomb" is used because of the explosive power these storms exhibit from quick drops in pressure.
According to CNN, last night's storm broke dropped 24 millibars in 14 hours, and 35 millibars in 24 hours. The storm broke low-pressure records for the month of October in Boston; Providence, Rhode Island; Hartford, Connecticut; and Portland.
CBS News reported that about 8.5 million were expected to get the worst of it and deal with powerful wind gusts and torrential rain. The National Weather Service reported there could be flooding and rough waters in the northeast and New England through Thursday.
Here are some of the biggest nor'easters of all time:
The Great Blizzard of 1888
On March 11, 1888, this was reported as one of the worst blizzards in American history. Historians said more than 400 people died in this storm, where some areas saw as much as 55 inches of snow. According to History many New Yorkers camped out in hotel lobbies waiting for the storm to pass. But New York wasn't the only area to suffer, along the Atlantic coast hundreds of boats sunk due to heavy winds.
April 2007 Nor'easter
(Getty Images)
The IRS reported that the 2007 storm left taxpayers in portions of New York, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, and New Hampshire with flooded businesses and homes. This included property damage by high winds. The storm started on April 14 and ended on April 17. The combined effects of heavy rainfall, high tides and winds led to flooding, storm damage, power outages and evacuations. The stormed killed at least 18 people.
2011 Halloween Nor'easter
(Getty Images)
It was both trick and treat for Americans on October 31, 2011. The October nor'easter dumped two feet of snow on parts of the state, forcing many cities to cancel Halloween activities. Winter Storm Alfred's snow began falling on October 29. It formed that day southeast of the Carolinas and moved up to the East Coast leaving many cities to have a "white Halloween."
Hurricane Sandy
(Getty Images)
Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast in late October of 2012. Forecasters throughout the country referred to the storm as "Frankenstorm." Since it happened on Halloween that wasn't the only reason it was called that. NASA posted satellite images of the storm blocked by a high-pressure system from the north.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
