A lot of people are asking - Is this a hurricane? No. This is a powerful nor’easter. The biggest difference is how they get their energy. Hurricanes are fueled primarily by warm tropical ocean water and have warm cores. Nor’easters are fueled primarily by strong temperature contrasts, fronts and upper-level dynamics. But “not a hurricane” does NOT mean “not dangerous.” A strong nor’easter can still produce tropical storm to hurricane-force wind gusts, damaging coastal storm surge, and significant flash flooding. Sandy had already transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone before making landfall in New Jersey, and we all know how destructive its impacts were. For this storm, coastal New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts are the areas I’m watching especially closely, with flooding concerns extending farther into New England. Know what the storm is, understand the hazards, and take it seriously, but don’t panic. Stay updated and weather aware.