Many roads closed, covered with debris, wet leaves

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A tree fallen across powerlines blocks dead end West Shore Drive in Milford, Conn. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.
Brian Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

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A fallen tree broke two glass windows on the side of a Wilton Road East home in Ridgefield on Wednesday, October 16.
Rich Vazzana / Contributed photo

3of77A speed sign had blown down following the storm Thursday, October 17, 2019, on Flax Hill Road in Norwalk, Conn.Erik Trautmann/Hearst Connecticut Media

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A stump of the historic oak tree is all that remains after last night's storm took the tree down outside Greenwich Library in Greenwich, Conn. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

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Greenwich Library leaders plan to replace the tree in the future.
Contributed / Contributed Photo

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A downed tree smashed a car on Chestnut Street in Stamford on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019.
John Nickerson /Hearst Connecticut Media

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April Phillips looks at the massive maple tree fallen across the powerlines in front of her home on Meadows End Road in Milford, Conn. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.
Brian Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

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Workers clean up after a tree fell onto the front porch of Cortright Hall during an overnight storm on the campus of the University of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport, Conn. 17, 2019.
Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media

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A photo showing damage to Cortright Hall at the University of Bridgeport Oct. 17, 2019.
/ Linda Conner Lambeck

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Wires down in West Haven at Monteith and Plainview on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, following a nor'easter.
Contributed

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A coach bus on its way to pick up students at St. Theresa School for a field trip got stuck Thursday morning when it could not make the turn onto Rosemond Terrace. The trip had already been canceled due to the delayed opening, but the driver said he had left Waterbury at 7 a.m. and had not been informed the trip was off.
Donald Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media

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A downed utility pole on Daniels Farm Road knocked out power to the area, including Trumbull Center south of White Plains Road.
Donald Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media

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A downed utility pole on Daniels Farm Road knocked out power to parts of Trumbull. Fairfield faced similar outages Thursday morning.
Donald Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media

50 common weather terms, explained: Here's a look at the phrases, words and terminology that dominate weather reports. — 26of77
**50 common weather terms, explained:** Here’s a look at the phrases, words and terminology that dominate weather reports.
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

Polar vortex The menacing phrase — 27of77
**Polar vortex**

The menacing phrase “polar vortex” is a relatively new term for winter weather forecasting, but meteorologists have understood it as a concept for decades. A polar vortex occurs when a large section of very cold air, usually the coldest in the entire northern hemisphere, is pushed down the North American continent as far south as the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.

After a summer off, the polar vortex re-formed on the North Pole during September 2019 and was classified as about average for that time of year.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
ake Hukee // Shutterstock

Atmospheric (barometric) pressure Humans inhabit the very bottom of the Earth's atmosphere and everything above creates atmospheric pressure. High-pressure systems form when downward pressure creates a clockwise air rotation, unlike low-pressure systems, which generate counter-clockwise rotation. Both phenomena, which are measured with electronic sensors called barometers, are critical to predicting weather events like precipitation. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 28of77
**Atmospheric (barometric) pressure**

Humans inhabit the very bottom of the Earth’s atmosphere and everything above creates atmospheric pressure. High-pressure systems form when downward pressure creates a clockwise air rotation, unlike low-pressure systems, which generate counter-clockwise rotation. Both phenomena, which are measured with electronic sensors called barometers, are critical to predicting weather events like precipitation.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
s74 // Shutterstock

Inch of mercury Inch of mercury is a unit used to measure air pressure. It represents the amount of pressure the atmosphere places on a one-inch column of mercury under standard gravity at zero degrees Celsius. [Pictured: A vector illustration of a barometer which measures atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury] This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 29of77
**Inch of mercury**

Inch of mercury is a unit used to measure air pressure. It represents the amount of pressure the atmosphere places on a one-inch column of mercury under standard gravity at zero degrees Celsius.

[Pictured: A vector illustration of a barometer which measures atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury]

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
an.somov9 // Shutterstock

Ball lightning Lightning in its traditional form is frightening and deadly on its own, but ball lightning is scary even in the context of instant electrocution from the heavens. Also known as globe lightning, the phenomenon has baffled and terrified humans for centuries. Ball lightning is a floating, colorized sphere of energy that spins off from thunderstorms and sometimes crashes through windows with deadly results-it appears to be attracted to ions that accumulate on glass. [Pictured: This is an artist rendering of ball lightning] This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 30of77
**Ball lightning**

Lightning in its traditional form is frightening and deadly on its own, but ball lightning is scary even in the context of instant electrocution from the heavens. Also known as globe lightning, the phenomenon has baffled and terrified humans for centuries. Ball lightning is a floating, colorized sphere of energy that spins off from thunderstorms and sometimes crashes through windows with deadly results—it appears to be attracted to ions that accumulate on glass.

[Pictured: This is an artist rendering of ball lightning]

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Santa pa// Shutterstock

Troughs and ridges On weather forecasts, troughs and ridges are represented by U-shaped patterns, often overlayed with directional arrows. These indicators of pressure are important clues in forecasting weather. Precipitation forms around troughs while ridges indicate dry conditions. [Pictured: Weather map graphic of the United States of America highlighting troughs and ridges] This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 31of77
**Troughs and ridges**

On weather forecasts, troughs and ridges are represented by U-shaped patterns, often overlayed with directional arrows. These indicators of pressure are important clues in forecasting weather. Precipitation forms around troughs while ridges indicate dry conditions.

[Pictured: Weather map graphic of the United States of America highlighting troughs and ridges]

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Belozersky // Shutterstock

Tropical storm People sometimes use the terms — 32of77
**Tropical storm**

People sometimes use the terms “tropical storm” and “hurricane” interchangeably, but one is actually an evolution of the other. Tropical storms form in the same places and under the same conditions as hurricanes, but they achieve maximum sustained wind of just 39–73 mph. If a tropical storm’s maximum sustained winds hit 74 mph, it becomes a hurricane.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Edw // Shutterstock

Tropical depression Before a weather event graduates into a tropical storm, it's a tropical depression. The infant stage of a hurricane, a tropical depression is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds up to 38 mph. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 33of77
**Tropical depression**

Before a weather event graduates into a tropical storm, it’s a tropical depression. The infant stage of a hurricane, a tropical depression is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds up to 38 mph.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Jeff Gammons StormVisuals // Shutterstock

Dew point Dew point represents the temperature to which air would have to be cooled to reach a level of moisture saturation. When it reaches the dew point, droplets of water, or dew, begin to form on solid objects like grass and cars. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 34of77
**Dew point**

Dew point represents the temperature to which air would have to be cooled to reach a level of moisture saturation. When it reaches the dew point, droplets of water, or dew, begin to form on solid objects like grass and cars.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
lynnlin // Shutterstock

Relative humidity Relative humidity is closely related to dew point, but the two terms are not interchangeable. This term describes the amount of atmospheric moisture that exists relative to the amount that would exist if the air were saturated. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 35of77
**Relative humidity**

Relative humidity is closely related to dew point, but the two terms are not interchangeable. This term describes the amount of atmospheric moisture that exists relative to the amount that would exist if the air were saturated.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Daniel2528 // Shutterstock

Wind chill Everyone in America above a certain latitude knows there are two temperatures they have to consider when getting dressed in the morning in winter-the actual temperature reading and the one that counts: the wind chill factor. Also known as the — 36of77
**Wind chill**

Everyone in America above a certain latitude knows there are two temperatures they have to consider when getting dressed in the morning in winter—the actual temperature reading and the one that counts: the wind chill factor. Also known as the “feels-like” temperature, wind chill represents how cold the weather feels on human skin when the chilling effect of the wind is taken into consideration.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
cemT // Shutterstock

Heat index The heat index is essentially the same thing as the wind chill factor, but for the opposite sensation of environmental exposure. It represents how hot the temperature actually feels when humidity is considered. The more humid the air is, the less perspiration is able to evaporate, which cripples the human body's cooling system and makes it feel hotter when it's humid outside. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 37of77
**Heat index**

The heat index is essentially the same thing as the wind chill factor, but for the opposite sensation of environmental exposure. It represents how hot the temperature actually feels when humidity is considered. The more humid the air is, the less perspiration is able to evaporate, which cripples the human body’s cooling system and makes it feel hotter when it’s humid outside.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Predrag Jankovic // Shutterstock

Snow squall Snow squalls are brief but intense bursts of snowfall that usually occur during the day. Snow squalls are always accompanied by strong gusts of wind, which, combined with the sheer volume of snow, is known to reduce visibility to nearly zero with almost no warning. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 38of77
**Snow squall**

Snow squalls are brief but intense bursts of snowfall that usually occur during the day. Snow squalls are always accompanied by strong gusts of wind, which, combined with the sheer volume of snow, is known to reduce visibility to nearly zero with almost no warning.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
justoomm // Shutterstock

Smog Smog is a type of visible and toxic pollution that can result when smoke, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide accumulate in a specific area-that area is almost always a heavily populated, smog-prone city. While smog is most decidedly a man-made phenomenon and not a natural weather event, local meteorologists give smog reports along with the local weather forecast in some especially hard-hit cities like Los Angeles. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 39of77
**Smog**

Smog is a type of visible and toxic pollution that can result when smoke, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide accumulate in a specific area—that area is almost always a heavily populated, smog-prone city. While smog is most decidedly a man-made phenomenon and not a natural weather event, local meteorologists give smog reports along with the local weather forecast in some especially hard-hit cities like Los Angeles.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
SemPhOtO // Shutterstock

Sleet One of the more unpleasant precipitation events associated with winter is sleet, which stings the skin and turns roads and sidewalks into ice-skating rinks. Sleet graces the world with its presence when rain or melted snow freezes and turns into ice on its way from the sky to the ground. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 40of77
**Sleet**

One of the more unpleasant precipitation events associated with winter is sleet, which stings the skin and turns roads and sidewalks into ice-skating rinks. Sleet graces the world with its presence when rain or melted snow freezes and turns into ice on its way from the sky to the ground.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Dvorak319 // Flickr

Freezing rain Freezing rain is formed through the same general process that creates sleet, but they're not the same thing. Sleet falls to the ground as ice. Freezing rain, on the other hand, remains in liquid form until it hits a cold object and then instantly freezes on contact. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 41of77
**Freezing rain**

Freezing rain is formed through the same general process that creates sleet, but they’re not the same thing. Sleet falls to the ground as ice. Freezing rain, on the other hand, remains in liquid form until it hits a cold object and then instantly freezes on contact.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Marefoto // Shutterstock

Wintry mix Two words that cold-weather commuters never want to hear are — 42of77
**Wintry mix**

Two words that cold-weather commuters never want to hear are “wintry mix.” When precipitation travels through an above-freezing “warm” layer of air followed by a cold, below-freezing layer, it’s possible for snow, sleet, and freezing rain to fall simultaneously.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
trendobjects // Shutterstock

Doppler radar NEXRAD is an acronym that stands for Next-Generation Radar, which generates weather data by emitting a burst of energy and analyzing returned energy. Sophisticated instruments measure the time it takes for the energy to travel and the phase of the returning pulse. Called the Doppler effect for Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, its where Doppler radar gets its name. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 43of77
**Doppler radar**

NEXRAD is an acronym that stands for Next-Generation Radar, which generates weather data by emitting a burst of energy and analyzing returned energy. Sophisticated instruments measure the time it takes for the energy to travel and the phase of the returning pulse. Called the Doppler effect for Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, its where Doppler radar gets its name.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Seth Lively // Shutterstock

The doldrums Although the word is most commonly associated with long bouts of stagnation and depression, the doldrums is also a meteorological term. The Inter-Tropical Conversion Zone is a series of windless waters around the equator where ships would often get stuck-sailors referred to the area as the doldrums. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 44of77
**The doldrums**

Although the word is most commonly associated with long bouts of stagnation and depression, the doldrums is also a meteorological term. The Inter-Tropical Conversion Zone is a series of windless waters around the equator where ships would often get stuck—sailors referred to the area as the doldrums.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH // Shutterstock

Severe thunderstorm There are garden-variety thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms, and when meteorologists mention the latter, the public should take it seriously. To be classified as — 45of77
**Severe thunderstorm**

There are garden-variety thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms, and when meteorologists mention the latter, the public should take it seriously. To be classified as “severe,” thunderstorms must include two potentially deadly elements: winds of at least 58 mph and hail at least one inch in diameter.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Sasa Prudkov // Shutterstock

Partly cloudy/partly sunny Some people might assume that — 46of77
**Partly cloudy/partly sunny**

Some people might assume that “partly cloudy” and “partly sunny” are different ways to say the same thing, and they’d be right. According to the National Weather Service, both terms refer to opaque cloud coverage between three-eighths to five-eighths.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Stepan Bessmelnitsin // Shutterstock

La Niña One half of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, La Niña (The Girl) is a global weather pattern that describes a dramatic cooling of ocean temperatures in the Western Hemisphere. La Niña is known for its disruptive impact on weather, specifically heavy rainfall and an increase in low-pressure systems. [Pictured: NOAA satellite imagery of ocean surface temperatures] This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 47of77
**La Niña**

One half of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, La Niña (The Girl) is a global weather pattern that describes a dramatic cooling of ocean temperatures in the Western Hemisphere. La Niña is known for its disruptive impact on weather, specifically heavy rainfall and an increase in low-pressure systems.

[Pictured: NOAA satellite imagery of ocean surface temperatures]

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
NOAA // Wikimedia Commons

El Niño The opposing — 48of77
**El Niño**

The opposing “warm” half of ENSO is called El Niño (The Boy), which occurs irregularly every two to seven years and is often followed closely by a La Niña pattern. It warms the oceans and creates the opposite effect in terms of not just ocean temperatures, but atmospheric pressure. It, too, is associated with irregular and sometimes severe weather patterns.

[Pictured: NOAA satellite imagery of ocean surface temperatures]

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
NOAA NEDIS // NOAA Environmental Visualization Laboratory

Jet stream Jet streams are thin but intense winds in the highest reaches of the atmosphere. Following the boundaries of cold and warm air, jet streams blow west to east, although their flow sometimes shifts to north and south. Not only do these — 49of77
**Jet stream**

Jet streams are thin but intense winds in the highest reaches of the atmosphere. Following the boundaries of cold and warm air, jet streams blow west to east, although their flow sometimes shifts to north and south. Not only do these “rivers of air” affect global weather and help meteorologists identify atmospheric patterns, but they’re crucial to air travel, as flying into and out of them can dramatically affect fuel consumption and flight time.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Vitalinka // Shutterstock

Ice fog Sometimes called — 50of77
**Ice fog**

Sometimes called “freezing fog,” ice fog is a phenomenon that residents have reported in recent years as far south as Mississippi and Georgia. Ice fog is so cold that suspended droplets of water freeze on contact, encasing power lines, tree limbs, street signs, and anything it touches in thick sheets of ice.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
stefan johansson // Shutterstock

Heat wave Heat waves are long periods of abnormally warm weather. In order to qualify as a heat wave, it must last for at least two days and consist of temperatures that are outside the region's historical average. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 51of77
**Heat wave**

Heat waves are long periods of abnormally warm weather. In order to qualify as a heat wave, it must last for at least two days and consist of temperatures that are outside the region’s historical average.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
FocusStocker// Shutterstock

Storm surge It's common to hear meteorologists warn that storm surge is one of the deadliest and most dangerous parts of major weather events like hurricanes. The phenomenon occurs when significant storms cause an abnormal rise in seawater above the limits of the astronomical tide. Storm surges can cause rapid, significant, and deadly flooding in coastal regions. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 52of77
**Storm surge**

It’s common to hear meteorologists warn that storm surge is one of the deadliest and most dangerous parts of major weather events like hurricanes. The phenomenon occurs when significant storms cause an abnormal rise in seawater above the limits of the astronomical tide. Storm surges can cause rapid, significant, and deadly flooding in coastal regions.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Arthur Villator // Shutterstock

Haze The dreaded three H's are hazy, hot, and humid. Hot is self-explanatory, humidity deals with the level of moisture in the air, but what exactly does it mean to be hazy? Haze can look like a thin fog, but it actually isn't caused by precipitation. Hazy conditions occur when large amounts of fine, dry particulate matter like dirt are suspended in the air, which scatters light and gives the lower atmosphere a cloudy appearance. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 53of77
**Haze**

The dreaded three H’s are hazy, hot, and humid. Hot is self-explanatory, humidity deals with the level of moisture in the air, but what exactly does it mean to be hazy? Haze can look like a thin fog, but it actually isn’t caused by precipitation. Hazy conditions occur when large amounts of fine, dry particulate matter like dirt are suspended in the air, which scatters light and gives the lower atmosphere a cloudy appearance.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Mark Key // Shutterstock

Frost Gardeners make their plans according to the first and last frost schedules in their respective agricultural zones. The frozen version of dew, frost occurs when cold, moisture-soaked air deposits water that freezes and leaves an icy film on things like plants and car windows. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 54of77
**Frost**

Gardeners make their plans according to the first and last frost schedules in their respective agricultural zones. The frozen version of dew, frost occurs when cold, moisture-soaked air deposits water that freezes and leaves an icy film on things like plants and car windows.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Canva

Flash flood Flash flooding occurs when large amounts of water from sudden torrential rains-or occasionally an incident like the breaking of a dam-gushes through a narrow area that isn't capable of absorbing high volumes of water. In many cases, flash floods-which can roll cars and destroy houses-happen in the immediate aftermath of extended droughts where parched land can't absorb the influx of water quickly enough. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 55of77
**Flash flood**

Flash flooding occurs when large amounts of water from sudden torrential rains—or occasionally an incident like the breaking of a dam—gushes through a narrow area that isn’t capable of absorbing high volumes of water. In many cases, flash floods—which can roll cars and destroy houses—happen in the immediate aftermath of extended droughts where parched land can’t absorb the influx of water quickly enough.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
BABYFRUITY // Shutterstock

Drought Most people know that droughts result from an extended lack of precipitation and abnormally high temperatures, but overpopulation and land overuse are contributing factors, too. Droughts are among the most destructive forces in nature-only hurricanes are more economically damaging to the United States. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 56of77
**Drought**

Most people know that droughts result from an extended lack of precipitation and abnormally high temperatures, but overpopulation and land overuse are contributing factors, too. Droughts are among the most destructive forces in nature—only hurricanes are more economically damaging to the United States.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Piyaset // Shutterstock

Breezy and windy The terms — 57of77
**Breezy and windy**

The terms “windy” and “breezy” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don’t describe the same phenomenon. Breezy conditions involve air moving between 12 and 22 mph during pleasant conditions. Windy days, on the other hand, involve stronger winds up to 50 mph during stormy or inclement weather.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Unsplash

Blizzard Not just any big snowstorm qualifies as a blizzard. In order to earn the harshest classification in winter weather, a storm must meet three criteria. Blizzards have frequent wind gusts of at least 35 mph, they have sustained falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter-mile, and the storm maintains those conditions for at least three consecutive hours. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 58of77
**Blizzard**

Not just any big snowstorm qualifies as a blizzard. In order to earn the harshest classification in winter weather, a storm must meet three criteria. Blizzards have frequent wind gusts of at least 35 mph, they have sustained falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter-mile, and the storm maintains those conditions for at least three consecutive hours.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Paddy Scott // Shutterstock

Black ice Car accidents are the leading cause of winter-related fatalities, so when a meteorologist warns about the potential for black ice, drivers should take it seriously. Black ice gets its name because it's so thin that it's nearly invisible on the road surface, but the ice itself isn't black. Black ice forms when sudden temperature increases cause snow to melt and drip onto roadways that are still cold enough to make the liquid water freeze on contact. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 59of77
**Black ice**

Car accidents are the leading cause of winter-related fatalities, so when a meteorologist warns about the potential for black ice, drivers should take it seriously. Black ice gets its name because it’s so thin that it’s nearly invisible on the road surface, but the ice itself isn’t black. Black ice forms when sudden temperature increases cause snow to melt and drip onto roadways that are still cold enough to make the liquid water freeze on contact.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Smiltena // Shutterstock

Microburst Microbursts are among the most dangerous and unpredictable weather phenomena on Earth, and they form inside of already-dangerous thunderstorms. Updrafts-columns of rapidly rising air-sometimes suspend large amounts of rain and ice, and when the updraft weakens, there's nothing left to hold all that water and ice in place. That leads to a massive downdraft, which sends the core of the column crashing to the ground and, upon impact, bursting out in all directions, leading to tornado-like winds, pressure, and destruction. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 60of77
**Microburst**

Microbursts are among the most dangerous and unpredictable weather phenomena on Earth, and they form inside of already-dangerous thunderstorms. Updrafts—columns of rapidly rising air—sometimes suspend large amounts of rain and ice, and when the updraft weakens, there’s nothing left to hold all that water and ice in place. That leads to a massive downdraft, which sends the core of the column crashing to the ground and, upon impact, bursting out in all directions, leading to tornado-like winds, pressure, and destruction.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
John D Sirlin // Shutterstock

Waterspout Although they look like tornados made of water, waterspouts are made of cloud-filled wind that descends in a rotating form over a body of water. They descend from cumulus clouds and behave like tornados, but they form over lakes or oceans and are generally less intense. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 61of77
**Waterspout**

Although they look like tornados made of water, waterspouts are made of cloud-filled wind that descends in a rotating form over a body of water. They descend from cumulus clouds and behave like tornados, but they form over lakes or oceans and are generally less intense.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Minerva Studio // Shutterstock

Hail Unlike sleet, which is ice formed by rain falling through very cold air, hail is a much more dangerous phenomenon associated with much more dangerous weather. Hail forms when powerful updrafts inside of thunderstorms force water well above the freezing level. That water freezes into large hailstones, which eventually become too heavy for the updraft and comes crashing down to Earth. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 62of77
**Hail**

Unlike sleet, which is ice formed by rain falling through very cold air, hail is a much more dangerous phenomenon associated with much more dangerous weather. Hail forms when powerful updrafts inside of thunderstorms force water well above the freezing level. That water freezes into large hailstones, which eventually become too heavy for the updraft and comes crashing down to Earth.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Suzanne Tucker // Shutterstock

Squall line Squall lines are impressive-looking but incredibly dangerous weather patterns that create a continuous row of thunderstorms. They develop ahead of and/or along cold fronts, and when they form, they're not to be taken lightly. Squall lines are known to bring driving rain, severe lightning, straight-line wind, hail, tornadoes, and waterspouts. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 63of77
**Squall line**

Squall lines are impressive-looking but incredibly dangerous weather patterns that create a continuous row of thunderstorms. They develop ahead of and/or along cold fronts, and when they form, they’re not to be taken lightly. Squall lines are known to bring driving rain, severe lightning, straight-line wind, hail, tornadoes, and waterspouts.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Lee Prince // Shutterstock

Flood crest Flooding is one of the deadliest and most destructive weather phenomena in the country and on the planet. Weather professionals use specific terminology to describe rivers as they rise from excess water. A flood crest is the peak-the highest level the water will rise-which is the most significant and dangerous time of a flood, but also an indication that the flood will soon recede. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 64of77
**Flood crest**

Flooding is one of the deadliest and most destructive weather phenomena in the country and on the planet. Weather professionals use specific terminology to describe rivers as they rise from excess water. A flood crest is the peak—the highest level the water will rise—which is the most significant and dangerous time of a flood, but also an indication that the flood will soon recede.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Bryan Busovicki // Shutterstock

Ice storm Ice storms are extended episodes of freezing rain, which occurs when precipitation falls in liquid form and freezes on contact. It becomes an ice storm when a quarter-inch or more of ice accumulates, creating dangerous conditions. Ice storms, which can be deadly and cause a lasting impact, can add 500 pounds to the weight of power lines and increase the weight of tree limbs by a multiplier of 30. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 65of77
**Ice storm**

Ice storms are extended episodes of freezing rain, which occurs when precipitation falls in liquid form and freezes on contact. It becomes an ice storm when a quarter-inch or more of ice accumulates, creating dangerous conditions. Ice storms, which can be deadly and cause a lasting impact, can add 500 pounds to the weight of power lines and increase the weight of tree limbs by a multiplier of 30.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
C. Lee Parrish // Shutterstock

Watches and warnings Meteorologists issue precautions to inform residents about the likelihood of serious and fast-moving weather events like tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Watches are less serious and indicate that conditions are present for the formation of a severe weather event. Warnings, on the other hand, indicate that an event has been identified by a person or radar, a tornado or thunderstorm is imminent, and to seek shelter immediately. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 66of77
**Watches and warnings**

Meteorologists issue precautions to inform residents about the likelihood of serious and fast-moving weather events like tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Watches are less serious and indicate that conditions are present for the formation of a severe weather event. Warnings, on the other hand, indicate that an event has been identified by a person or radar, a tornado or thunderstorm is imminent, and to seek shelter immediately.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
NOAA Photo Library // Flickr

Fire weather terminology Like tornado watches and warnings, meteorologists issue different precautionary statements when the weather is ripe for dangerous wildfires. Red flag warnings advise residents to take action like being careful with open flames. Fire weather watches are a step up, warning people that fire conditions are possible, but not imminent. Extreme fire behavior is the most severe, warning that fires are burning and likely to rage out of control. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 67of77
**Fire weather terminology**

Like tornado watches and warnings, meteorologists issue different precautionary statements when the weather is ripe for dangerous wildfires. Red flag warnings advise residents to take action like being careful with open flames. Fire weather watches are a step up, warning people that fire conditions are possible, but not imminent. Extreme fire behavior is the most severe, warning that fires are burning and likely to rage out of control.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Famartin // Wikimedia Commons

Weather front Meteorologists commonly refer to fronts, which exists between two large bodies of air that each exhibit similar temperature and moisture conditions. Cold fronts are boundaries between warm and cold bodies of air when the cold air is replacing the warm air. Warm fronts describe the opposite effect. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 68of77
**Weather front**

Meteorologists commonly refer to fronts, which exists between two large bodies of air that each exhibit similar temperature and moisture conditions. Cold fronts are boundaries between warm and cold bodies of air when the cold air is replacing the warm air. Warm fronts describe the opposite effect.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Phillip Cappe // Wikimedia Commons

Westerlies One of the main prevailing winds, westerlies blow, as the name implies, from the west. Fed by polar winds from high-pressure areas, they're strongest in the winter when pole pressure is low. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 69of77
**Westerlies**

One of the main prevailing winds, westerlies blow, as the name implies, from the west. Fed by polar winds from high-pressure areas, they’re strongest in the winter when pole pressure is low.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Tony Skerl // Shutterstock

Easterlies Easterlies, on the other hand, blow from the east. These cold, dry prevailing winds emanate from polar highs and flow to low-pressure regions. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 70of77
**Easterlies**

Easterlies, on the other hand, blow from the east. These cold, dry prevailing winds emanate from polar highs and flow to low-pressure regions.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Canva

Trade winds Powerful prevailing winds that move east across the tropics, trade winds got their name because they have been instrumental throughout history to travel, communication, trade, exploration, and war. Even today, the shipping industry relies on these intense and predictable winds. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 71of77
**Trade winds**

Powerful prevailing winds that move east across the tropics, trade winds got their name because they have been instrumental throughout history to travel, communication, trade, exploration, and war. Even today, the shipping industry relies on these intense and predictable winds.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Canva

Eyewall During hurricanes, those in the path are known to get a brief respite when the deceivingly tranquil eye of the storm passes over. The roughly circular eyewall that surrounds the eye, however, is a ring of deep convection that contains the storm's most furious winds. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 72of77
**Eyewall**

During hurricanes, those in the path are known to get a brief respite when the deceivingly tranquil eye of the storm passes over. The roughly circular eyewall that surrounds the eye, however, is a ring of deep convection that contains the storm’s most furious winds.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Alexander Gerst/NASA // Wikimedia Commons

Nor'easter Nor'easters are major, dangerous storms that are exclusive to the Northeastern United States. Geography, however, is not where these storms get their name. Nor'easters are named for the direction that the storm's most intense winds blow. Those winds are usually severe, and they're known to bring rain and snow and cause flooding and storm surges. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 73of77
**Nor’easter**

Nor’easters are major, dangerous storms that are exclusive to the Northeastern United States. Geography, however, is not where these storms get their name. Nor’easters are named for the direction that the storm’s most intense winds blow. Those winds are usually severe, and they’re known to bring rain and snow and cause flooding and storm surges.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Svitlana Pimenov // Shutterstock

Wind shear Wind shear is a measurement of wind, and it's defined as a difference in direction and speed of wind over a specific distance in the atmosphere. Measured both horizontally and vertically, wind shear is much more significant at the higher reaches of the atmosphere. Engineers have to consider wind shear when designing skyscrapers and other tall structures. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 74of77
**Wind shear**

Wind shear is a measurement of wind, and it’s defined as a difference in direction and speed of wind over a specific distance in the atmosphere. Measured both horizontally and vertically, wind shear is much more significant at the higher reaches of the atmosphere. Engineers have to consider wind shear when designing skyscrapers and other tall structures.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Unsplash

Arid Representing the opposite concept of humidity, aridity is a term that has more to do with climate than the weather. Found on every continent on Earth, arid climates are dry and often very hot and/or very cold. Unsuitable for most life, the plants and animals that live in arid climates have evolved with specialized adaptations for survival. This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com — 75of77
**Arid**

Representing the opposite concept of humidity, aridity is a term that has more to do with climate than the weather. Found on every continent on Earth, arid climates are dry and often very hot and/or very cold. Unsuitable for most life, the plants and animals that live in arid climates have evolved with specialized adaptations for survival.

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Unsplash

Horse latitudes A rarely used but incredibly important weather term is — 76of77
**Horse latitudes**

A rarely used but incredibly important weather term is “horse latitude,” which describes narrow zones of dry, warm climates. Although they’re small geographically, horse latitudes play a major role in global weather, steering prevailing winds like trade winds and westerlies.

**You may also like:** Notable weather events from the year you were born

*This slideshow was first published on theStacker.com*
Edward Haylan // Shutterstock

Downed wires trees, branches, wet leaves and plenty of debris have closed a number of roads across Connecticut Thursday morning.

While most major roads are in good shape this morning, many local roads are covered with wet leaves that can make for slippery driving conditions.

Give yourself extra time this morning.

Also slow down and have some extra distance between vehicles.

In Easton, Sunny Ridge Closed Between Martin Lane and Sport Hill Road. Live Wire/Tree down.

In Bethel, Nashville Road is closed between Taylor Avenue and Route 53 due to a tree down.

In Weston, the following roads are closed: Area of 31 Glenwood, 21 Ladderhill Road South, Goodhill/Steephill, Valley Forge/Newtown, 26 Wells Hill/ Easton town line and White Birch is one lane at Greenlea Lane.

In Wilton, the following roads are completely closed until further notice Route 33 (Ridgefield Rd) - between Belden Hill Rd & Middlebrook Farm Rd Sturges Ridge Rd - near # 35 Warncke Rd - near #39 Stirrup Ln - near #18 Indian Hill Rd - near Pin Oak Ln Mountain Road- near Scribner Hill Rd Rocky Brook Road- near #16

New Fairfield firefighters said: “Use caution driving this morning. Multiple trees down and roads shut down. Might want to give yourself extra time heading into work.”

In Harwinton, Locust Road is closed from Plymouth Road to Laurel Road. There is a large tree and primary lines down across the road just before the Laurel Road intersection. Coming either direction, you can use Plymouth Road/ Wake Robin Lane/ Laurel Road as a detour around it. Use caution if driving tonight or early Thursday morning as there are low hanging wires and tree branches in numerous spots, debris and wet leaves in the roadways all over the area, and standing water in the poor drainage spots.

Main Street in Middlefield will be closed for an extended period of time due to a car verses utility pole accident that occurred at about 2:15 a.m., according to dispatchers at Troop F in Westbrook. The impact of the crash snapped the pole in half, dispatchers said. There is no estimate on when the street will reopen.

North Street at Taconic and Dingletown is expected to be closed for an extended period of time, Greenwich dispatchers said on Twitter. There is no access to or from central Greenwich from Exit 31.

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Downed trees or wires have also closed roads at the following Greenwich locations as of 5 a.m.: 30 Fairfield Road, 300 North Maple Avenue, Byran Road at the railroad bridge and 165 Henry Street. There are low hanging wires in the 1300 block of King Street and the 600 block of Lake Avenue.

State police at Troop G in Bridgeport are dealing with a motor vehicle crash on Route 25 southbound at Exit 9.

Troop G dealt with some downed trees but all the incidents were cleared by 5:30 a.m.

The state Department of Transportation said the following state roads are closed:

WILTON - Route 33 CLOSED at Middlesex Road because of a tree down with wires. Reported Thursday, October 17 at 10:06 am.

TRUMBULL - SR 734 (Daniels Farm Road) CLOSED at Park Street because of Tree (In Roadway) with wires. Reported Thursday, October 17 at 10:05 am.

TORRINGTON - ROUTE 4 CLOSED between ROUTE 272 and LOVERS LN because of TREE IN WIRES. Reported Thursday, October 17 at 10:06 am.

NEW MILFORD - Route 109 CLOSED at #373 by Washington Ridge Road because of a tree down.

STAMFORD - Route 104 Long Ridge Road CLOSED between Den Road and Midrocks Drive because of Tree (In Roadway) with wires. Reported Thursday, October 17 at 9:56 am.

SALISBURY - ROUTE 41 CLOSED BOYD RD because of TREE IN WIRES. Reported Thursday, October 17 at 6:59 am.

For DOT updates, click here.