As a nor'easter bears down on the region Friday, some might be left asking how does it stack up against other storms?

According to the National Weather Service, nor'easter storms are some of the most powerful storm systems in the United States. 

They are strongest and most frequent between the months of September and April. 

However, they can occur anytime of the year and pack rain, snow and wind.  

MORE: News 12 Brooklyn Weather Center | News 12 Live Radar  | Nor'easter bringing rain,winds, flooding and snow  

Above: Great Blizzard of 1888. (Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

The Great Blizzard of 1888 was one of the most severe blizzards in U.S. history, but it was also classified as a nor'easter. 

According to the NWS, parts of New Jersey and New York state saw up to 40 inches of snow. In the city, 21 inches accumulated, ranking it the fourth biggest snowstorm based on Central Park totals.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the impacts of the 1888 storm sunk 200 ships and killed 400 people along the East Coast.

Above: January 2016 United States blizzard. (Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

In January 2016, New York City was hit by a record-breaking nor'easter. 

The storm dropped 27.5 inches of snow on Central Park. It was the highest total for the city since observations began in 1869.