The heavy rainfall -- particularly this storm had a lot of rain ahead of it as it was moving ashore -- the concern was where we could expect rainfall.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The reductions made in the U.S. force structure ensures that even if the United States decided to deploy its remaining four heavy divisions and one armored cavalry regiment, there would be no reserve comparable to that it enjoyed during Desert Storm -- four heavy divisions (two each in the United States and in Germany) and two armored cavalry regiments.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: "THE U.S. CAN NO LONGER AFFORD RECKLESS 'PEACE DIVIDENDS'"

In Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton declared a state of emergency after communities in the south-west of the state - already struggling to restore power from an earlier ice storm - were buried under heavy snow.

BBC: Three dead in US severe spring storm

Nonetheless, its storm surge -- joined by heavy wind, rain and tornadoes -- left a swath of destruction from east Texas to Alabama.

CNN: No more Hurricane Katrinas

He also said a "spin-off" storm was expected to create heavy snow in New England, and could push Boston to a February record.

NPR: Winter Storm Blankets Great Plains With Snow

Violent winds, torrential downpour and a storm surge could result in wide-spread power outages and heavy flooding.

FORBES: Hurricane Irene Exposes Charlatans on All Sides of Climate Science

If we are indeed in the midst of a hurricane-heavy time, there's ample cause for concern that a severe storm would venture that far north.

FORBES: Good Hands, Iron Fist