What to know about bomb cyclones and their impact on winter weather
wfaa.com —
A bomb cyclone is a rapidly intensifying winter storm caused by a significant drop in atmospheric pressure. This process, known as bombogenesis, can lead to strong winds, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions, impacting travel and safety. These storms form when cold and warm air masses collide, often influenced by disturbances in the jet stream. Unlike hurricanes, which develop over warm ocean waters in tropical regions, bomb cyclones occur in mid-latitude areas over land and ocean. Climate change is believed to increase the frequency and severity of bomb cyclones. Warmer oceans and air lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to heavier precipitation and more intense storms.