A new study has found that the most intense nor’easters are growing more destructive due to climate change. These powerful storms regularly batter the US East Coast with wind, snow, and flooding. While warmer Arctic temperatures may lead to fewer nor’easters overall, the research shows that the ones that do occur are growing significantly stronger.
Led by climate scientist Michael Mann of the University of Pennsylvania, the study (published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on July 14) analyzed nearly 900 nor’easters between 1940 and 2025 using historical data and storm-tracking algorithms. It found that the maximum windspeed of the strongest nor’easters has increased by about 6% since 1940, raising their destructive power by 20%. In addition to stronger winds, today’s nor’easters are dumping around 10% more rain and snow.
This intensification is driven by warmer ocean and air temperatures, which lead to more evaporation and heavier precipitation.
The findings suggest that storms like 1993’s deadly “Storm of the Century” or 2010’s “Snowmageddon” could become even more destructive in the future. Researchers also warned that current flood risk estimates for many East Coast cities may underestimate the threat in a rapidly warming climate.
In 2024 alone, the US experienced 27 weather and climate disasters costing at least US$1 billion each in damages. That is a staggering figure and one that cannot be ignored. These disasters are fueled by the nation's vast and diverse geography, which has everything from hurricane-prone coastlines to tornado alleys and wildfire-vulnerable regions. Additionally, human-driven climate change is intensifying these events, making them more frequent and severe.
In 2025, the trend shows no sign of slowing. The number of billion-dollar disasters is on track to surpass last year’s total, as climate change and population growth in high-risk areas continue to fuel the rise.
Curious as to why the US is so vulnerable? Click through now to find out more.