P.E.I. storm: Boomer's guide to weather lingo

CBC weatherman Kevin "Boomer" Gallant is used to talking about the weather so, on stormy days like today he uses technical terms to explain what is going on in the forecast.

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Here is his lexicon to the terms on tonight's forecast.

1. Nor'easter

Boomer explains "nor'easter"

9 years ago

Duration 0:51

Boomer explains "nor'easter"

"Nor'easter" refers to the wind direction associated with the storm. When the wind blows from the north east, it's a nor'easter.

"Low-pressure systems have a wind field that blows counter-clockwise, so the system is south west. North east is on the other side," said Gallant.

"When systems move off of Nova Scotia, we're on the other side or the north east side which is the colder side."

Gallant uses the term 12 months of the year in P.E.I, with snowstorms in the winter and rainstorms in the spring, summer and fall.

2. Storm surge

Boomer explains "storm surge"

9 years ago

Duration 1:00

Boomer explains "storm surge"

For a storm surge, you need a specific set of conditions all of which are forecast to be in place in Prince Edward Island this evening.

"We have [barometric] pressure that is dropping. When barometric pressure drops, it has a suction effect on the water, so it raises the water. We have high tide coming this evening, which adds again to the height of the water." said Gallant.

Gallant said westerly winds of up to 80km/hr and a push from the ocean waves could push water into ocean bays around the Island.

That combination of conditions could create a storm surge.

3. Blowing snow

Boomer explains "blowing snow"

9 years ago

Duration 0:54

Boomer explains "blowing snow"

Blowing snow sounds simple enough, but it can happeneven when skies are clear.

"Snow that is already fallen can blow for miles and miles," said Gallant.

"What lands in Tignishmay end up in Souris."

It's important to take note, because as Gallant points out "blowing snow creates almost zero visibility on our beautiful Island."

4. Dry slot

Boomer explains "dry slot"

9 years ago

Duration 0:54

Boomer explains "dry slot"

A dry slot was experienced in parts of the Island this afternoon, when the weather cleared up for a few hours.

"It's almost like the eye of a hurricane where it's sort of calm and there's no real weather no clouds," said Gallant.

"As that moves away, the backside of the storm comes back with cloud."

5. Snow squall

Boomer explains "snow squall"

9 years ago

Duration 0:58

Boomer explains "snow squall"

A snow squall happens when strong winds meet flurries.

"What happens is you get a brief amount of flurries," said Gallant.

"You get that intense wind blowing that snow flurry activity very strong across Prince Edward Island. It does reduce visibility but it is a short duration of time that it does happen."

• See the full weather forecast for Charlottetown