New England is bracing for a rare May nor'easter. This storm is set to bring a mix of rain and possibly snow, a stark contrast to the typical sunny days and barbecues of the season. Nor'easters are usually a winter phenomenon, bringing strong winds and heavy precipitation. This one could see wind gusts over 40 mph and up to 2 inches of rain in some spots. Higher elevations might even get a dusting of snow.

These storms get their name from the northeast winds that typically accompany them. They can happen anytime, but they're most common and strongest from September to April. Nor'easters have caused billions in damage over the years, often disrupting traffic and power. They usually peak in strength in New England and eastern Canada.

The upcoming storm is expected to hit hardest in Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts. While some flooding and tricky driving conditions are possible, it's not expected to be too severe. After the initial hit, the storm should taper off to light rain and drizzle. Snow is likely to be confined to mountainous areas.

So, why is this happening in May? Normally, nor'easters form due to large temperature differences between the cold land and warmer oceans in winter. But this time, a high-pressure area in the Canadian Arctic is allowing cold air to move south. This, combined with an unusually southern jet stream, is fueling the storm.

This setup is unusual for May and more reminiscent of winter. If this had happened a couple of months earlier, it could have been a major snowstorm. Instead, it's just a wet start to the Memorial Day weekend. It's a reminder that weather can be unpredictable, and even in late spring, a winter-like storm can roll in.

NOREASTER DEFINITION EXPLANATION

Late Spring Surprise Storm Hits New England

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