Mid-Atlantic Region winters include large storms that originate from which body of water?

• A. Gulf of Mexico
• B. Atlantic Ocean
• C. Pacific Ocean
• D. Arctic Ocean

Answer: (A)

Winter storms that affect the Mid-Atlantic often begin as low-pressure systems in the Gulf of Mexico. The warm, moist air from the Gulf rises and clashes with cold air from the north, and as the system moves northeast along the East Coast, it strengthens into a powerful winter storm. That Gulf origin provides the moisture and warmth that fuel these nor’easter-like storms, which then bring heavy snow, rain, and strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic region. While moisture from the Atlantic participates as the storm travels, the starting point that feeds and shapes these events most often sits in the Gulf of Mexico.