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What is a bomb cyclone? Insights into a storm that brought blizzard conditions to the US

Discover what a bomb cyclone is, why it causes intense snow and wind, and how businesses can better prepare.

By Adrianne Burke, Content Marketing Manager | AccuWeather For Business

Published Nov 7, 2024 2:01 PM EDT | Updated Nov 12, 2024 1:08 PM EDT

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snow from a bomb cyclone

WHAT IS A BOMB CYCLONE? 

You may have heard of some storm systems 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 rapidly strengthens, 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. 

Protect your business and team members by making the best weather-impacted decisions with AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service, backed by forecasts and warnings with Superior Accuracy™. AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service offers location-specific forecasts and 24x7x365 meteorological consulting services for snow, ice, blizzards, and other winter-hazard events. 

AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service features include: 

• Precise weather event start and end times

• Total expected snow and ice accumulations

• Specific changeover times for snow, ice, and rain

• Hourly temperatures and wind conditions before, during, and after the storm

• Post-storm weather conditions, including verified precipitation amounts. 

Are you winter ready? Learn more about how AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service can help your business be better prepared.

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Serving more than half of Fortune 500 companies and thousands of businesses globally, AccuWeather is recognized as the most accurate source of weather forecasts, warnings, and data in the world. AccuWeather’s severe weather warnings protect life, safety, and property better than anyone else.

Related:

Six winter weather risks for businesses and how to prepare
Different types of snowstorms and their impacts on businesses
Snow 101: Separating fact from fiction for businesses
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