BOMBOGENESIS: When a Surface Low "Explodes"

news image
Special Stories
3 Jan 2018 5:37 AM
The latest winter storm to rock the east coast has meteorologists throwing around a few of the usual terms: Nor'Easter, freezing rain, heavy snow, etc. But this storm is throwing around a bigger word that may have you doing a double take.

BOMBOGENESIS

At face value, it's the creation (genesis) of a bomb (deep cyclone). Meteorologically, it is a mid-latitude cyclone whose center of low pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. This is purely a meteorological definition. Although the impacts of a bomb cyclone can be great, this does not guarantee it. It all depends on the track of the low and its proximity to the US. Generally, a powerful trough in the jet stream creates rising air. As air rises away from the surface, a low pressure center is created or deepens. At the surface, the clash of a warm and cold airmass aids in strengthening the low. Because the current storm is also out over the ocean, there is little friction working against it and lots of moisture working with it. The current winter storm impacting the US will glide up the east coast through the end of the week. Computer models expect this low to drop from around 995 millibars to 950 millibars between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon. It could drop double the necessary requirements for bombogenesis. Based on its current track, the low will bring significant freezing rain and snow to the southeast. It will become a Nor'easter, bringing extremely powerful winds, coastal flooding/erosion, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions to the northeast. A common problem with bombs is the hurricane force winds. Sometimes, the cyclone can take on the appearance of a hurricane on satellite and radar; even developing a pseudo-eye. The powerful winds, heavy snow, and the sheer weight of the ice will be enough to topple trees and power lines. Expect widespread outages up and down the coast. For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Karissa Klos
All Weather News
More
Ophelia Brings Tropical Storm Conditions to the East Coast

Ophelia Brings Tropical Storm Conditions to the East Coast

Tropical Storm Ophelia formed in the Atlantic

23 Sep 2023 3:05 AM
Stormy Weekend for Drought Stricken High Plains

Stormy Weekend for Drought Stricken High Plains

After a stormy day Friday that produced big h

23 Sep 2023 2:00 AM
Flood & Storm Risk this Weekend for Texas & Oklahoma

Flood & Storm Risk this Weekend for Texas & Oklahoma

After a summer of mainly dry and super hot co

23 Sep 2023 12:55 AM
Happening this Weekend: Asteroid Samples Come Back to Earth

Happening this Weekend: Asteroid Samples Come Back to Earth

Above - stereoscopic images provides a 3D vie

22 Sep 2023 7:00 PM
More Snow for the Rockies

More Snow for the Rockies

ROCKIES - It's September in the Rockies and w

22 Sep 2023 1:25 PM
Fall Forecast: Where Leaves Are Changing

Fall Forecast: Where Leaves Are Changing

Have the leaves started changing where you li

22 Sep 2023 11:00 AM
Tornado threat for Dallas, Additional Severe Storms in the Plains

Tornado threat for Dallas, Additional Severe Storms in the Plains

Severe storms will be likely across the South

21 Sep 2023 8:45 PM