Late winter storms that combine large amounts of moisture and frigid temperatures are known as bomb cyclones—and they are expected to hit the eastern US. The consequences of a bomb cyclone are significant. Here’s what happens during a bomb cyclone.

A Bomb Cyclone

What is a bomb cyclone? 

A storm that quickly intensifies by rapidly losing pressure is a bomb cyclone. The storm causes the swift loss of pressure, dropping at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. For example, a storm may drop from 1006 millibars in a southern state to 960 by the time it reaches Canada.

A wide range of hazardous weather conditions are associated with a bomb cyclone. The storm can unleash heavy amounts of precipitation over areas, or it can lead to severe thunderstorms. Similarly, a bomb cyclone can be responsible for major winter blizzards.

A cyclone that undergoes bombogenesis has the right ingredients to strengthen significantly. High amounts of heat, moisture, and rising air make up the bomb cyclone. The rapid rate at which the storms intensify puts weather forecasters on alert, since they can have a harmful impact.

Bomb cyclones are common occurrences during the winter season in the North Atlantic. However, these storms, called Atlantic bombs, can occur all year long. Approximately 60 to 70 cyclone formations occur all over the earth each year, with 40 to 50 happening off the US east coast.

While the majority of bomb cyclones occur over the ocean, they sometimes pummel the east coast. This winter, at least three bomb cyclones affected the east coast. When a bomb cyclone occurs close to inhabited areas, it tends to receive plenty of local attention.

What happens during a bomb cyclone?

When a bomb cyclone is expected to hit the eastern coast, such as from the deep south to northern Maine, the National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning. The bomb cyclone can create hazardous conditions that affect drivers and homeowners in the area.

During this winter season, for example, St Patrick’s day parades that were scheduled to take place up and down the east coast, from New York to Philadelphia, were canceled. Parade co-chairs decided to prioritize the safety of participants in the wake of the bomb cyclone.

Damaging winds occur during a bomb cyclone. The increase in wind speed is dependent on how quickly the pressure falls. Bomb cyclones are known to produce hurricane-force winds gusting at over 75 to 80 miles per hour. Fierce wind conditions can make storms intense and dangerous.

The frigid air that accompanies a bomb cyclone also creates icy road conditions. Even without significant snow accumulations, the bomb cyclones can lead to slick roads. As temperatures fall to below freezing, the cold air that crashes behind the storm creates icy spots on the roads.

Snow accumulations of six inches to over one foot could also impact travel. Drivers experience slippery conditions, especially in the South and from Texas to Oklahoma and Tennessee. As far south as Mississippi, even a dusting of snow is a possible outcome of the bomb cyclone.

Travelers should be cautious, as the combination of high winds and major snow accumulations reduce visibility on roads and create dangerous driving conditions. Downed tree limbs are additional results of a bomb cyclone. Power outages, too, can occur in the aftermath of a bomb cyclone.

To learn more about the bomb cyclone, visit What Causes a Bomb Cyclone? Where and When does it happen?

What is the severest bomb cyclone of the season?

Quinlan is the name given to the deepest bomb cyclone of the season. As recently as March 2022, Quinlan dumped massive amounts of snow on Pennsylvania and delivered gale-strength winds to New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. The storm intensified as it traveled east.

Meteorologists predicted snowfalls up to 13 inches in some areas and additional severe weather, such as powerful wind gusts, large hail, and even tornadoes. These winter storm warnings were in effect from northern New England all the way down to the deep south.

The winds were expected to be over 50 miles per hour along the coast. Blizzard conditions were anticipated. Along the coast, additional severe weather damages were expected to occur as a result of storm surges, coastal flooding, wind damage, and beach erosion.

The US Eastern Seaboard is where bombogenesis, or bomb cyclones, most often occur. During winters along the east coast, a thermal contrast between the cool land and warm Gulf Stream current develops. Jet streaks also create favorable conditions necessary for the formation of bomb cyclones.

Even though they differ, bomb cyclones are sometimes referred to as winter hurricanes. No matter how the storms are referred to, after storm warnings have been announced, residents along the coast are advised to be extra cautious, especially when traveling.

Property owners, too, should be vigilant when a bomb cyclone is expected to hit. Major thunderstorms can unleash large amounts of precipitation and lead to flooding. When your home or business is affected by flood damage of any extent, contact a restoration professional for immediate help.

A reputable flood damage cleanup company will dispatch water damage restoration crews to your property right away. Their quick response helps to prevent further water damage. Delays in addressing flood damage can lead to more costly repairs and long-term damage.

Water restoration crews are IICRC certified and skilled to complete water damage cleanup services with speed and efficiency. The process starts with the extraction of excess water. Drying and dehumidifying the vicinity is next. They may also offer pack-out services to salvage damaged goods.

Flooding may occur as a result of bomb cyclones or malfunctioning appliances, burst water pipes, or a failed sump pump. No matter what caused the water damage to your property, professionals are equipped with the tools and techniques to return your property to its pre-loss condition fast.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.