Record Snow-Producing Nor'easter Spotted From Space

NOAA's GOES-13 satellite visible image of the Nor'easter on Nov. 7, 2012 — NOAA's GOES-13 satellite captured this visible light image of the nor'easter on Nov. 7, 2012.

(Image credit: NASA GOES Project)

The nor'easter that dumped record snows on the Northeast yesterday (Nov. 7) was captured from above by NOAA's GOES-13 satellite.

The storm broke snowfall records across the region, with 13.5 inches (34 centimeters) reported in Clintonville, Conn.; 4.3 inches (11 cm) in New York's Central Park; and 5.7 inches (14 cm) in Newark, N.J.

The National Weather Service predicted the nor'easter will strengthen as it moves north along the coast today. This will bring a mix of rain and snow to the region, with wind gusts as high as 60 mph (96 kph) along the coast, the NWS said. Snowfall in interior New England could approach 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).Many homes were still without power after Hurricane Sandy when the nor'easter dropped temperatures, and the storm's gusts knocked out electricity to thousands more overnight.

Though there were no mandatory evacuations, government agencies were concerned about a repeat of flooding from storm-driven waves. The lack of protective dunes and damage to sea walls following Sandy has made coastal communities increasingly vulnerable to winter storms, even ones that don't approach Sandy's strength.

Follow OurAmazingPlanet on Twitter @OAPlanet. We're also on Facebook and Google+.

For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.