US states across the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley are experiencing severe weather warnings today as the bomb cyclone reaches maximum intensity.
The storm brought blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest on Sunday, especially in Michigan, where there are currently more than 100,000 power outages due to heavy snow and strong winds. As the developing system tracks northeast toward Canada, the National Weather Service expects these conditions to move eastward into the Great Lakes, where local snow totals could reach 2 feet.
“As this system gains momentum early in the morning, icy conditions can be expected especially in the middle of the Great Lakes,” the NWS said Monday. “For now, a mix of freezing snow and rain will quickly spread across New England before warm air turns the wintry mix into rain throughout the day.”
What is a bomb cyclone?
When the barometric pressure of a storm system in North America falls below 24 millibars within 24 hours, it is considered a bomb cyclone. This process, called “bombogenesis,” usually occurs when cold air collides with a mass of warm air. That’s exactly what happened this weekend when the cold Arctic met with record warmth in the central and southern US.
A rapid pressure drop creates a strong pressure drop, which causes air to rush toward the center of the storm. This causes strong winds and rain. As such, tornadoes are more dangerous than your average winter storm and can bring strong winds, snow-level snow, freezing temperatures, and coastal flooding.
As of Monday morning, more than 30 million Americans are under winter weather warnings across the Midwest and Northeast, and storm warnings remain in effect for parts of northern Iowa and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Wind advisories extend from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast, with gusts up to 55 miles per hour (88 kilometers per hour) expected.
These conditions can put a hold on post-holiday travel plans as snow and blowing snow make roads treacherous and reduce visibility.
Ongoing local impacts
Forecasters expect the storm to move quickly toward southeastern Canada. By Monday evening, most of the snow over the upper and middle Great Lakes should taper off, but snow from the lake will continue to affect some areas downstream, according to the NWS.
These lake ice packs should continue through at least Wednesday morning as another storm—the Alberta clipper—spreads light snow across the upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Tuesday. The storm will continue to send strong winds and gusty winds across the eastern US as it tracks north, with snow showers possible through Wednesday morning across New England.
As we close out the year with uncontrollable winter weather, forecasters are urging those in the storm’s path to stay alert, avoid travel, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. With most of the season still to come, similar strong programs could return in the coming months.
