Geography Optional 2020 paper I

Write a geographical note on Halloween Storm.

Verified Answer

The Halloween Storm of 1991, also known as the 'Perfect Storm,' was an extratropical cyclone that absorbed the remnants of Hurricane Grace and merged with a cold front, creating an exceptionally powerful weather event. Geographically, it formed off the coast of Nova Scotia in late October 1991 and impacted the East Coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada. Its unique formation involved the convergence of three distinct weather systems, leading to its immense strength and unusual characteristics. The storm generated massive waves, reaching over 30 meters in height, and caused severe coastal erosion, widespread flooding, and significant property damage from New England to the Canadian Maritimes. It highlighted the vulnerability of coastal regions to complex atmospheric interactions and the destructive potential of extreme weather, leaving a lasting mark on meteorological history and coastal management strategies.