The speed of historical East Coast Winter Storms (ECWS) occurring during the period from 1951-2006 was computed. Average storm speed was 13.8 meters per second with stronger storms generally moving faster than weaker storms, and faster storms forming during the mid-winter months (December-March). There was no clear trend in ECWS speed during the time period, although considerable season-to-season variability was present.

The monthly and seasonal variations in storm speed could not be attributed to the El Niņo- Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) alone. However, the speed of ECWS was considerably slower when both El Niņo and the negative phase of NAO occurred simultaneously. Characteristic patterns in the upper levels of the atmosphere, specifically 300 hPa zonal winds and 500 hPa geopotential heights, were present during periods when ECWS speeds were among the slowest (and separately fastest). For slow storm speed, these patterns also prevailed during months in which El Niņo and negative NAO phase occurred and likewise the patterns were also present during months with extended runs of high oceanic storm surge. This provides a qualitative link between the atmospheric conditions associated with slow storms and potentially high coastal storm surge impacts.

Among the prime impacts of ECWS speed are extended periods of high surge and water levels, mainly due to slow-moving storms. The sustained high tidal levels often result in substantial damage caused by coastal flooding, overwash, and beach erosion. The results of this paper can be utilized to help anticipate the impacts of ECWS, which may help to lessen the effects of surge and other extreme impacts from these storms.