Bombo… what?
The impending “bomb cyclone” heading toward the East Coast is raising some eyebrows among meteorologists and residents alike, leaving many in confusion.
As folks are still digging out from last weekend’s winter storm Fern, bringing over a foot of snow, there’s apprehension about facing a few more inches.
This upcoming storm is predicted to drop an additional 3 inches of snow in New York City, where temperatures are already in the teens and 20s. With wind chills, it could feel like below zero.
Here’s a rundown on what to expect this weekend. Hopefully, it eases some concerns while you keep an eye on the weather forecast.
What is a bomb cyclone?
A bomb cyclone refers to a storm that sharpens and intensifies quickly.
“This is a rapidly intensifying storm, but the technical definition might vary based on location,” AccuWeather meteorologist Matt Benz mentioned.
Typically, he explained, the storm’s pressure needs to drop by 24 millibars in a 24-hour span.
Why is it called a bomb cyclone?
The term has roots back in the 1940s. Some meteorologists started calling strong oceanic storms “bombs” due to their explosive intensity, as noted by former MIT professor Fred Sanders.
Sanders, who passed away in 2006, helped popularize the word “explosive” in a 1980 article for the Monthly Weather Review.
His colleague, John R. Gyakum, noted that while the term may have been used even earlier, it became common vernacular later on.
How long do bomb cyclones last?
These storm systems often form in about 24 hours and move quickly, typically lasting around the same timeframe.
New York should see this storm arrive late Saturday night and clear up by Sunday night.
Are bomb cyclones dangerous?
Yes, bomb cyclones can be very hazardous.
Strong winds can lead to damage and propel debris into the air, which is concerning.
Wind chill during these storms is particularly dangerous, causing frigid temperatures that can expose those outside to life-threatening conditions.
This weekend’s bomb cyclone could see temperatures in the city dropping to single digits or even lower, as warned by AccuWeather.
Add to that the risk of coastal flooding due to high winds and storm surges, and it’s a rather intense situation.
When was the last time there was a bomb cyclone?
One of the more notable recent bomb cyclones struck the Northeast in 2018.
This storm brought about 10 inches of snow to New York City and around 17 inches to Boston, with wind speeds reaching 130 mph along some parts of the New England coast.
Boston experienced flooding with the storm surge exceeding 15 feet in parts of downtown.
