Nor'easters

Nor'easters are powerful winter storms that typically form between October and April and travel up the Atlantic seaboard. These storms are known for producing heavy rain and snow, along with wind-driven waves that batter the coast from Virginia to Maine, causing severe flooding and beach erosion.

Many people may not think of flood insurance during the winter months. However, it is important for residents across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to protect their property from flood damage year-round. Only flood insurance offers financial protection from flooding.

A HISTORY OF NORTHEAST WINTER FLOODING

Nor'easters have the potential to cause as much damage as hurricanes. One reason Nor'easters are so dangerous is that they tend to move much more slowly than hurricanes, accumulating rain and snow, which can increase the risk for flooding. History demonstrates the damaging effects of these winter storms:

February 1998: With nearly $25 million in flood-insured losses, the Nor'easter that hit in early 1998 with a stalled front of high winds and flooding tides made this storm one of the most damaging since the record breaking Nor'easter of March 1962 that left 1,000 mile-wide swath of damage in its wake.

January 1996: A Nor'easter pounded the Eastern seaboard with torrential rainfall and up to four feet of snow on several inland states. This storm was followed by another Nor'easter that hit the East Coast from Georgia to New Jersey with severe snowmelt causing widespread flood damage.

December 1992: A powerful Nor'easter hit the East Coast with intense coastal rainfall, river and tidal flooding from Massachusetts to Delaware. Nearly $350 million was paid on more than 25,000 flood- insured losses resulting from this storm.

PREPARE

Residents in areas susceptible to winter flooding need to prepare in advance for flood conditions. Before the threat of flooding becomes imminent, residents should:

• Purchase a flood insurance policy if they do not already have one
• Review their current insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered
• Make a flood plan. Plan evacuation routes. Keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place.
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions

Consumers can visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 to learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a National Flood Insurance policy and the benefits of protecting your home and property against flooding.