As a snowstorm heads to the Midwest and Northeast, here's what to know about how to prepare -- and answers to other winter storm questions from ABC News meteorologists Max Golembo and Sam Wnek.
This article was first published in 2018.
What are the different types of winter storms?
In the winter you'll often see nor'easters, also called coastal storms. These storms may occur at any time of year but are most frequent and most violent between September and April.
Nor'easters nearly always bring heavy rain or snow, as well as powerful winds, rough seas and sometimes coastal flooding.
MORE: Snowstorm latest forecast: What you need to know from Midwest from to Northeast
Nor'easters usually develop between Georgia and New Jersey, within 100 miles east or west of the East Coast. The heavily populated region between Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston is especially affected by these types of storms. They usually move northeastward and reach maximum intensity near New England.
PHOTO: A pedestrian walks near the coastline, March 2, 2018, in Newburyport, Mass.
Elise Amendola/AP
Elise Amendola/AP
A pedestrian walks near the coastline, March 2, 2018, in Newburyport, Mass. as a major nor'east...Read More
In the Midwest and other non-coastal parts of U.S., large storms are called mid-latitude systems.
MORE: 'Bomb cyclone': What to know about this kind of monster storm
There are also weaker, clipper systems. A clipper system, usually called an Alberta clipper, is a fast-moving, low-pressure system that will move southeast from the Canadian Province of Alberta through the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes. This low-pressure system usually brings light snow, strong winds and cold temperatures.
PHOTO: A car sits in high water on a flooded street during rain and high winds, March 2, 2018, in the Broad Channel section of Queens in New York.
Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
A car sits in high water on a flooded street during rain and high winds, March 2, 2018, in the Bro...Read More
How does a storm start?
There are three basic ingredients needed to make a winter storm:
1. Cold air. Below-freezing temperatures in the clouds and near the ground are necessary to make snow and/or ice.
2. A lifting force to raise the moist air to form the clouds and cause precipitation.
3. Moisture to form clouds and precipitation. Air blowing across a body of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture.
How are winter storms named?
Winter storms do not have official names in the U.S. But we do name hurricanes -- so the summer tropical season is when you can look for named storms.
What should you do before a winter storm?
PHOTO: A woman gets caught by a wave as heavy seas continue to come ashore in Winthrop, Mass., March 3, 2018.
Michael Dwyer/AP
Michael Dwyer/AP
A woman gets caught by a wave as heavy seas continue to come ashore in Winthrop, Mass., March 3, 2018.
Protecting your home:
Some major threats to your home are the loss of heat, power and phone service, as well as a shortage of supplies if the weather lasts longer than expected, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS recommends storing items including a flashlight and extra batteries, water and extra food that won't need cooking or refrigeration. Don't forget extra prescription medicine, too.
With proper ventilation, you can rely on emergency heat sources including a fireplace, wood stove and space heater.
The NWS says to make sure you have a working carbon dioxide detector and that the outside vent is clear. After the storm, make sure there isn't snow left in the outside vent.
Facing the cold:
PHOTO: A snowplow makes its way past snow-covered cars in a parking lot in St. Paul, Minn., March 5, 2018.
Neal Lambert/Pioneer Press via AP
Neal Lambert/Pioneer Press via AP
A snowplow makes its way past snow-covered cars in a parking lot in St. Paul, Minn., March 5, 20...Read More
Those with prolonged exposure or those not dressed appropriately for extremely cold weather are in danger of frostbite and hypothermia, NWS meteorologist Jay Engle said.
Frostbite results in the loss of feeling and color in affected areas -- usually the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, toes or chin, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Frostbite could potentially cause permanent damage and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation, the CDC said.
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