Last updated on April 6th, 2022 at 10:59 pm
Before this past week of October 25th, 2021, I don’t think many people pondered what is a Bomb Cyclone and What Are Its Effects.
News services started warning the west coast of the US that a bomb cyclone was on the way.
As a result, expect high winds, blizzard conditions, and flooding rains.
Twitter feeds filled screens captured amazing shots of the approaching storm system.
What’s a Bomb Cyclone
Explosive cyclogenesis, also known as Weather Bomb or Bomb Cyclone, is a cyclonic low atmospheric pressure area with rapid changes to low-pressure systems generally of 24 mbars within 24 hours at higher latitudes.
Bomb cyclones typically occur on the east coast in the winter months at high latitudes. Additionally, the cyclones can produce winds over 90 mph on par with Category 1 hurricanes, freezing rain, and heavy snow at high altitudes.
A river of warm ocean waters off the west coast is drawn into the system and produces flooding rainfall totals. When the cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, can produce flooding rains.
As observed by CoCoRoHs weather observers, the October 2021 bomb cyclone produced beneficial rainfall totals in California.
Relief From Drought At A Cost
The western and pacific coast is entering an extended decades-long drought, possibly the dryest stretch since the 1500s, according to a recent LA Times Article.
With 2021 being one of the worst, if not the worst, fire seasons ever recorded in the west and pacific northwest, heavy rain that falls on the previously burned ground, known as burn scars, causes additional hazards.
If the National Weather Service warns of Bomb Cyclone, what you should do?
On October 25th, 2021, The National Weather Service predicted the second Bomb Cyclone to reach the southern California region.
The weather prediction center advised us to stay indoors and not venture outside in these conditions. Those who do will be at risk for injuries and hypothermia in high elevations.
Ahead of the storm, many people wanted to get a look at this intense weather phenomenon. However, authorities had issued warnings indicating that the conditions might be too extreme for even the most experienced and hearty outdoor enthusiasts.
Be prepared for water and power outages during the storm. It’s also advised to stay up to date on changing weather conditions. I would advise keeping a weather radio handy.
Is Climate Change Making Bomb Cyclone Worse
The climate-changing topic usually comes to mind as the culprit and creates much debate. However, studies regarding global warming have influenced the frequency and intensity of cyclones.
One such study found that the average atmospheric temperature during the hurricane season has increased by 1 degree Celsius between 1979 and 2009. Therefore, this temperature increase caused more wind energy of tropical cyclones, which led to an increased intensity of these cyclones, including Bomb Cyclone.
Cyclones explained by atmospheric pressure
A bomb cyclone is an extensive low-pressure weather system characterized by inward spiraling winds which rotate anti-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The Coriolis effect produces the rotation.
The winds in a cyclone are generated by differential heating between the equator and the pole. The pressure gradient force causes winds to flow outward from the high pressure to the low pressure. Another force acting on the wind is friction between Earth’s surface and air which causes an acceleration of airflow downwards.
Bomb Cyclone? It Is Normal For Them To Happen In The Winter Too.
Cyclones are not just a summertime thing. For the most part, the ones that cause the most damage occur at low latitudes (about 30-40 degrees north or south) because they create potent winds and temperatures.
High latitude cyclones, on the other hand, aren’t as intense and rarely cause damage. However, there is a high-latitude form of cyclone called the bomb cyclone is known for rapid intensification. A bomb cyclone can happen at any time of year. It’s like a super-hybrid cyclone.
What to do if you’re stranded during a bomb cyclone
Sometimes it’s impossible to get out of the path and all you can do is hunker down with food, water, and an alternate heat source.
Have some items on hand that can be used to signal for help, such as flares or a whistle
If you have a cell phone, try to charge it up or send texts if you are able. If it’s not working, turn the phone off so the battery doesn’t drain.
Prepare to be without power and water for weeks depending on severity.
Disaster preparation
- The 3 essentials are food, water, and shelter.-Depending on the type of disaster that can also include clothes, medicine, fuel for heating/ cooling your home, or a stove to cook meals with after a natural disaster supplies may be limited.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car which includes jumper cables, flares (to signal other motorists), first-aid kit at least one gallon of drinking water per person for at least three days). the suggestion is to also keep a small generator that runs on gasoline (but, this may be dangerous in an enclosed/small area).
- If you live near the coast and your home is at risk of flooding, evacuate. Stay with friends or family who live inland until the storm is over. If you do not have anywhere to go before landfall, seek shelter established by local authorities.
FAQ’s
Are bomb cyclones common?
Yes, they are very common. In fact, these kinds of cyclones can happen at any time, so it’s important to stay alert to the changes in the weather.
How is a bomb cyclone different from a hurricane?
A bomb cyclone is like an even stronger version of these storms, but they happen anywhere from 50 to 60 degrees north or south latitude, not just near warmer waters like what happens with hurricanes exclusively. It’s believed that temperature changes are associated with global a rapidly intensifying winter storm that is more severe than a regular winter storm.
What are the effects of bomb cyclones on humans?
Bomb cyclones can have a range of effects on humans, depending on their location. They can cause blizzards, white-outs, and coastal flooding, which can lead to dangerous conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. They can also damage infrastructure and disrupt transportation.
Key Points
- A cyclone is a weather system where wind revolves around a specific area in a circular pattern.
- Low-latitude cyclones near the equator are less common than high-latitude ones, but they can still cause significant damage.
- Bomb cyclones occur in the winter months.
- The “bomb” in a bomb cyclone refers to its rapid intensification.
- The term “bomb” refers to a sudden, extreme increase in the energy of a system.
- A cyclone of this kind can occur anywhere between 30 and 40 latitudes.
- A bomb cyclone is much more robust than an ordinary winter cyclone.
- Bomb cyclones are more likely to occur in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Alaska.
- A bomb cyclone can occur anywhere on Earth within 15 degrees of the eq
Summary
The dangers of bomb cyclones include blizzards, white-outs, coastal flooding, and life-threatening conditions.
They can be more severe than regular winter storms and often occur in the wintertime.
FEMA works with the government to provide resources and assistance to individuals in the path of bomb cyclones.
