The classic storm in these states is called a Nor'easter. A low-pressure area off the Carolina coast strengthens and moves north. Wind-driven waves batter the coast from Virginia to Maine, causing flooding and severe beach erosion. The storm taps the Atlantic's moisture-supply and dumps heavy snow over the region. The snow and wind may combine into blizzard conditions and form deep drifts paralyzing some areas.
Ice storms are also a problem.
Mountains, such as the Appalachians, act as a barrier to cold air trapping it in the valleys and nearby low elevations. Warm air and moisture moves over the cold, trapped air. Rain falls from the warm layer onto a cold surface below becoming ice. Along the Gulf Coast and Southeast This region is usually doesn't get much snow, ice or freezing temperatures. Once in a while, though, cold air penetrates south across Texas and Florida, into the Gulf of Mexico.