“Snowmaggedon” in New England usually refers to a high-impact winter storm (or a series of storms) that brings heavy snow, strong winds, coastal flooding risk, and major travel and power disruptions across states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. When people say “Snowmaggedon is back,” they’re often describing conditions that resemble past blockbuster events—rapid snowfall rates, near-blizzard conditions, and widespread closures.

What typically makes a New England storm “Snowmaggedon”? It’s rarely just “a lot of snow.” It’s the combination of multiple hazards happening at once:

• Heavy snowfall totals (often 12–24+ inches in a broad area, with localized higher amounts).
• High snowfall rates (1–3 inches per hour), which can overwhelm plows and make roads impassable quickly.
• Strong winds that cause blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to near zero.
• Power outages from heavy, wet snow (“paste”) on trees and power lines or wind-related damage.
• Coastal impacts (especially in eastern MA, RI, and coastal NH/ME): storm surge, beach erosion, and minor-to-moderate flooding if the storm coincides with high tide.

How these storms form (in plain terms)

New England’s biggest snowstorms often involve a coastal low-pressure system (a nor’easter) that intensifies as it moves up the Eastern Seaboard. Key ingredients include:

• Cold air in place over interior New England (often supplied by high pressure to the north).
• Moisture and energy from the Atlantic Ocean.
• Storm track that is “close enough” to bring heavy precipitation, but not so warm that it turns to rain along the coast.

If the storm “bombs out” (rapidly intensifies), winds and snowfall rates can spike. Meteorologists often describe this rapid strengthening as bombogenesis (a pressure drop of at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, adjusted for latitude).

What you can expect on the ground (examples)

1) Travel disruptions

• Highways like I-90 (Mass Pike), I-93, I-95, and I-91 can become hazardous quickly, especially during peak snowfall rates.
• Even with plowing, whiteout conditions can occur in open areas and on bridges.
• Air travel disruptions are common at hubs like Boston Logan (BOS), plus regional airports such as BDL (Hartford), PWM (Portland), and MHT (Manchester).

2) Power outages and infrastructure strain

• Wet, heavy snow (near the rain/snow line) can cling to branches and lines, increasing outage risk.
• Wind gusts can bring down weakened limbs, especially where prior storms have already stressed trees.

3) Coastal flooding and beach erosion

• Coastal communities (e.g., Scituate, Hull, Revere in MA; parts of Rhode Island’s south coast; coastal NH/ME) can face splash-over and flooding depending on wind direction, storm surge, and tide timing.

Historical context: notable “Snowmaggedon”-style storms

• February 2013: Blizzard “Nemo”
  Parts of New England saw widespread heavy snow and strong winds. Some areas reported 2+ feet of snow, with blizzard conditions in MA and CT.
  Reference: NOAA/NWS event summaries and regional “Top Snowstorms” archives (see NOAA and NWS links below).
• January–February 2015: Boston’s historic snow stretch
  Boston experienced repeated storms leading to record seasonal snowfall and major operational challenges (snow removal, transit disruptions, roof load concerns).
  Reference: National Weather Service Boston/Norton climate summaries.
• January 2011: “Snowmageddon” sequence
  While “Snowmageddon” is often associated with the Mid-Atlantic (2010), New England has had similar multi-storm periods where back-to-back events compounded impacts.
  Reference: NOAA/NCEI storm events database.

How to track it reliably (best references)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use primary meteorological sources:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – forecasts, winter storm warnings, snowfall maps, and local statements.
  https://www.weather.gov/
• NWS Boston/Norton (for much of MA/RI/CT) – local forecast discussions and storm specifics.
  https://www.weather.gov/box/
• NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) – historical storm and climate data.
  https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/
• Storm Prediction/Weather Prediction Center (WPC) – national-scale winter weather guidance and discussions.
  https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

Practical preparation checklist (New England-specific)

• Before the storm:
  • Charge devices; prepare backup power (battery packs, generator if you have one—operate outdoors only).
  • Stock essentials for 2–3 days: food, water, medications, pet supplies.
  • Stage snow gear: shovel/snow blower fuel, ice melt, roof rake (use carefully).
  • Move cars off streets where local parking bans are likely.
• During the storm:
  • Avoid travel during peak snowfall rates; if you must drive, keep blankets, a flashlight, and a small emergency kit.
  • Watch for rapidly changing conditions near the coast where precipitation can mix with sleet/rain.
• After the storm:
  • Clear vents (dryer, furnace exhaust) to prevent carbon monoxide issues.
  • Be cautious of snow load on roofs, especially with wet snow; consult professionals if concerned.
  • Expect refreeze at night—black ice is common after daytime melting.

If you want, tell me your city/town (or nearest major city) and whether you’re closer to the coast or inland, and I can outline the most likely impact profile (snow vs. mix, wind risk, and timing considerations) based on typical New England storm setups—using the same categories the NWS uses (warnings, advisories, and forecast confidence).