Major storm bringing blizzard conditions, heavy snow across the U.S. intensifying into a ‘bomb cyclone.’ But what is it?
Summary
The massive winter storm moving across the country has been referred to as a "bomb cyclone." Here is what you need to know.
Key Highlights
When a storm undergoes bombogenesis, the system is rapidly strengthening.
A storm undergoing bombogenesis typically produces heavy rain or snow.
These storms are among the most violent weather systems that affect a broad area.
WHAT IS A BOMB CYCLONE?
AccuWeather meteorologists have been monitoring a major winter storm that will be causing blizzard conditions and producing heavy snow across the country this week. You may have heard the system referred to as a bomb cyclone. But what does that mean?
All storms are cyclones, and genesis represents the creation or beginning. When a storm undergoes bombogenesis, the system is rapidly strengthening. So the term means explosive storm strengthening. It usually happens over the ocean, but sometimes these storms can be non-tropical.
When air rises, it produces a vacuum effect that results in lower atmospheric pressure. When a storm strengthens, the column of air rises faster, causing the pressure in the storm to lower. It is not the low pressure that defines bombogenesis but how quickly the pressure within the storm drops.
When it comes to precipitation, a storm undergoing bombogenesis typically produces heavy rain or snow. The rising column of air causes the precipitation rate. When air rises, it cools, causing moisture to condense, forming clouds and rain or snow. The faster the air rises and cools, the heavier the precipitation.
Storms that undergo bombogenesis are among the most violent weather systems that affect a broad area. Because rapidly ascending air near the center of the storm is replaced by air surrounding the storm. Property damage, down trees, and power outages can occur as these winds move toward the storm's center.
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