A nor'easter is a type of powerful storm that forms along the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada, characterized by strong winds blowing from the northeast. It is an extratropical cyclone that typically develops within 100 miles of the Atlantic Coast between Georgia and New Jersey, drawing energy from the temperature difference between cold air from Canada and warm ocean waters. Nor'easters can bring heavy rain or snow, gale-force winds, coastal flooding, and often occur between September and April, most intensely in winter months. Nor'easters differ from tropical cyclones because they are cold-core storms relying on contrasting cold and warm air masses rather than warm-core systems fueled solely by warm temperatures. They can cause severe weather conditions including blizzards and flooding, and have historically caused notable storms like the Great Blizzard of 1888 and the 1991 Perfect Storm. Residents in areas affected by nor'easters should prepare for potential power outages and hazardous conditions during such storms.