It's not often that we hear of a major snowstorm targeting the northeast in October. But, it's been a crazy year when it comes to crazy weather related events. What could be causing all of this extreme weather?

Forecasters are calling for up to 15 inches of the white stuff in an area stretching from south central Pa through central New York. Besides the possibility of a significant snowfall they are predicting high winds with possible power outages.

Late October snowfall totals of this magnitude are rare for this part of the country. Records show that the areas to be affected by this storm have seen a measurable snowfall in October only four times since 1889, with the highest being 2.5 inches. If we get the kind of totals they are predicting it could be a record that will last for centuries.

It's very unlikely that many who are in the path of this storm are prepared for such an event. But they better prepare fast because this could be a preview of things to come!

Does this spell out the possibility of a rough winter for the northeast?

If we look at all of the other weather related events we've witnessed this year, anything is possible. The past several months have been marred with major hurricanes, flooding and drought. Prior to that we saw tsunamis and one of the biggest years for tornado outbreaks. It brings up the question of what is causing these odd weather patterns.

Many climatologists tend to blame the bad weather on global warming. Their theory is that the earths warming is causing higher temperatures and as a result it creates poor weather conditions.

It's easy to blame the heat waves on global warming but what about the extreme cold spell we experienced last winter. And how can they justify the torrential rains we've witnessed this summer while the temperatures were actually lower than in previous years when there was drought.

If you study the history of weather, you'll find evidence that shows these types of weather patterns have occurred in the past. Over the past few centuries there have been some the same cycles we've witnessed over the past few years.

It seems more likely that it could just be the result of normal weather patterns as opposed to global warming.

Regardless of what the cause happens to be, the threat of extreme weather is real for the folks who experience it. They could care less what the cause is, they just want it to be over and done with as fast as possible.

If you are in the path of this major winter storm, and experience record breaking snowfall, you'll have witnessed history in the making. Just look at the positive side, you have another story to tell your grandchildren.

You can always make the best of it by taking a day off work and hitting the ski slopes!