You’ve heard of the “pollen vortex”? Allergy experts now say the Northeastern U.S. is experiencing a “pollen tsunami” — thanks to a ferocious winter and delayed spring that is hitting hay-fever sufferers particularly hard.

Oak and birch trees are pollinating at the same time as the seasonal ones like poplar, alder, and ash — just as grasses are about to bloom, NBC News reports.

"It's a triple whammy," said Clifford Bassett, M.D., medical director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York. "The early and mid-spring tree pollen and the grasses are hitting all at once to create misery and suffering."

To cope, allergy experts recommend that hay-fever sufferers take the following steps to ease symptoms:

• Check the pollen count and stay indoors if it's high.
• Use air conditioning to keep indoor air free of allergens.
• Exercise indoors. Don't hang clothes out to dry.
• Wash your face after going outdoors.
• Keep pollen-laden clothing out of the bedroom.
• Keep floors clean.