A rare nor’easter is battering the New England region just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, bringing torrential rains and wind gusts over 55 mph. With only a 2% chance of such storms occurring in May, this unseasonal weather event threatens major travel disruptions for holiday plans.
Rare Nor’Easter slams the east coast

Key Takeaways:
- A rare nor’easter is impacting New England just before Memorial Day weekend.
- Nor’easters are characterized by strong northeast winds and powerful low-pressure systems dropping below 995mb.
- These storms typically occur in winter; there’s only about a 2% chance in May.
- The storm is bringing heavy rain and wind gusts exceeding 55 mph.
- Major travel disruptions are expected heading into the holiday weekend.
New England is currently facing an unusual weather event as a rare nor’easter sweeps through the region just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. The storm is bringing torrential rains and wind gusts over 55 mph, threatening to disrupt travel plans for many.
What Is a Nor’easter?
A nor’easter is a type of storm system typically found along the East Coast of the United States. It is characterized by strong northeast winds coming in from the coast associated with a powerful upper-level low-pressure system dropping below 995mb. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes snow.
An Unusual May Event
While nor’easters are common during the winter months and often dump heavy snow across the region, they become significantly less frequent in May. There’s only about a 2% chance of occurrence during this time of year, making the current storm particularly rare.
Current Impacts
In this case, snow is limited to the higher elevations. Most areas are experiencing torrential rain and wind gusts exceeding 55 mph. These conditions are contributing to messy weather across the region.
Travel Disruptions Ahead
As a result of the storm’s timing and intensity, major travel disruptions are expected heading into the holiday weekend. With Memorial Day traditionally marking the start of the summer travel season, the nor’easter’s impact is likely to affect many people’s plans.
Conclusion
The rare occurrence of a nor’easter in May underscores the unpredictability of weather patterns. Residents and travelers in the New England region are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the storm progresses.