The March 6–8, 2018 nor'easter caused additional disruption and significant snowfall to the Northeastern United States just days after another intense nor'easter struck the Mid-Atlantic, hampering recovery efforts from that storm. Forming on March 2 and reaching the Outer Banks late on March 6, as the end phase of a long-tracked winter storm across the country, it rapidly deepened off the Mid-Atlantic coast on March 7 and brought up to of heavy snow, whiteout conditions, and even coastal flooding (though nowhere near the levels seen in the prior nor'easter) to those in the impact zone from the storm, many of whom were still without power from the previous storm less than a week prior.
The storm caused up to 1 million people to lose power, and at least two people were confirmed dead due to the storm by March 7. Hundreds of flights were cancelled across the region, and many schools closed due to the nor'easter, although some opted to remain open, such as those in New York City, causing controversy. Many freeways were also closed in the regions, and several states were put under state of emergencies.
Meteorological history
While the previous nor'easter hammered the Northeastern U.S. on March 2–3, another winter storm had begun developing in the western part of the country, dumping very heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This storm moved into the Upper Midwest over the next few days and became an intense snowstorm for the affected areas. By early on March 6, the system had reached the Great Lakes, with the surface low beginning to weaken. As it did so, energy began to be transferred over to a new area of low pressure that was forming near the Outer Banks late that day. As the new low began to rapidly intensify, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) began issuing storm summaries on the intensifying low off the coast of New Jersey early on March 7. A sharp transition of heavy snow to rain was observed near the Jersey Shore, due to warm air aloft pushing slightly inland, with the cold air residing just inland. Thundersnow and snowfall rates of up to an hour were reported in areas around the New York metropolitan area, signaling the rapid intensification of the storm. Late in the afternoon, an eye-like feature was spotted near the center of the storm. The pressure bottomed out at around the same time.
After peaking, the system began to gradually weaken as it continued moving northeastwards towards the Canadian Maritimes late on March 7–8, while heavy snowfall fell around the areas near Boston, Massachusetts. Turning northwestward slightly, moderate snowfall continued to occur over the coastal and interior sections of New England. The low continued to spin down throughout the day, with snow tapering off in much of the region except for the northern parts of New York and far northern New England. By 15:00 UTC the next day, the system had weakened to the point where the WPC terminated storm summaries on the winter storm. It dissipated shortly afterwards.
Preparations and impact
Mid-Atlantic states
Amtrak operated a modified schedule along the Northeast Corridor on March 7 due to the storm. About 2,500 flights were cancelled and several schools were closed in the Northeast United States on March 7 because of the upcoming storm.
North Carolina
The storm caused coastal flooding along the Outer Banks, with North Carolina Highway 12 closed between Rodanthe and the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge.
Maryland and Delaware
Several schools in Maryland were closed due to snow. The storm caused flooding along some streets in Annapolis. Flooding from high tides was also seen in some communities along the Chesapeake Bay including Cambridge, Crisfield, and Deal Island. In Delaware, the Delaware Memorial Bridge was temporarily closed due to several tractor-trailers being disabled. It was re-opened a few hours later after the vehicles were removed. The Delaware General Assembly cancelled its session for March 7 while the University of Delaware closed at noon on March 7.