Anyone who lives in the Northeast knows the name nor’easter very well. It’s a winter staple for the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.

These storms are known for their paralyzing effects caused by heavy snow, damaging winds, coastal flooding and sometimes long-duration events.

A nor’easter is often a powerful low-pressure system that undergoes rapid strengthening off the East Coast, resulting in all types of winter weather in the Northeast.

Watch the video above to learn more about why these strong storms form near the East Coast.