Bomb Cyclones and How to Handle Them

Posted: December 20, 2023 4:29 pm

A bomb cyclone is a storm that strengthens considerably over a very short period of time. For example, weather conditions that go from a standard 1,013.5 millibars of pressure, or one atmosphere, down to 989 or lower over the course of 24 hours, such as the “Storm of the Century” in 1993, would qualify. A bomb cyclone also just affected the East Coast last week unleashing heavy rain and flooding for days.

Most of the time, this occurs over the ocean. The lowest pressure ever recorded was just 870 millibars. This happened west of Guam in the Pacific Ocean in 1979 as part of Typhoon Tip. It was a Category 5 storm with wind speeds equivalent to an F3 tornado at 165 knots. It was a miracle that the devastation caused by this 1,400-mile-wide storm wasn’t greater.

If such a bomb cyclone were to develop over land, then he destruction would be significant. People would have to rely on up-to-the-minute weather updates in addition to a standard weather report. Such a storm is counterintuitive, however, because the standard wisdom regarding dangerous weather is that a storm weakens when it’s over land because there is no more moisture to sustain its ferocity.

Tropical or Nontropical?

In short, the answer is, “Both.” The chief difference between the two types of storms is the temperature of the air near the center of the storm. As the name implies, tropical storms form in areas of warm weather over water. The winds of these storms are concentrated near the center of the storm, and the storm tends to peter out quickly as it passes over land.

A nontropical storm forms either over land or over cold water. They are not round like tropical storms. Instead, they look like commas or swooshes and have a definite front. They have the same strength of wind and precipitation throughout their length. Nor’easters are a prime example of this kind of storm. Sometimes, tropical storms change into nontropical storms. This does not, however, mean that they lose their punch. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was an example of this, remaining every bit as destructive after it changed.

This also applies to any bomb cyclone that has intensified from a weaker storm. It, too, could change from a round shape into the shape of a weather front. At the same time, the winds would fan out and be just as strong on the outskirts of the storm as they are in the center. There is no eye in a nontropical storm either. Don’t get fooled by this kind of dangerous weather.

What Causes Storms?

Hot air rises. When it rises very quickly, it creates a vacuum at sea level. The air pressure of one atmosphere remains constant, but the reduction in the number of atoms at sea level diffuses that pressure. Air also flows from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, so many more atoms of air flow into the low-pressure area at great speed, creating the storm. In the Northern Hemisphere, where these storms are called hurricanes, they rotate counterclockwise. In the Southern hemisphere, where they’re called either typhoons or cyclones, they rotate clockwise.

When it comes to bomb cyclones, the term applies equally all over the Earth. It is important to note that it is not the low pressure that defines such a storm. Rather, it is the speed with which the storm gets stronger. To qualify as a bomb cyclone, a storm has to experience a 24-millibar drop in pressure over 24 hours.

In addition to the “Storm of the Century” in March 1993, and Typhoon Tip in 1979, other storms that qualified were Hurricanes Charley and Wilma, the 2015 blizzard, and the December 2015 storm that ravaged the Bering Sea. These were all violent storms that ripped up trees, downed power lines, and caused huge amounts of property damage.

The North Atlantic

The place where the warm water of the Gulf Stream meets the cold water of the Canary Current is prime territory for the creation of nontropical bomb cyclones. Many nor’easters start as simple rainstorms and transform into monsters in just a few hours. One of the biggest problems that coastal areas face is erosion. Storms like these create big storm surges, and these wash away everything from sand to beach houses.

All along the North Atlantic, the powerful storms that are created can bring massive precipitation in the form of rain or snow. The faster a storm intensifies, the worse the precipitation becomes. Snow can cause transportation gridlock. Both snow and rain can cause significant flooding. People who live in these areas are glued to their radios and televisions while finding out the weather report.

Preparing for Such a Storm

A snow storm that is also a bomb cyclone hit the area between Tallahassee, Florida, and Georgia in 2018. These states have little to no equipment to deal with such an event. If you live in areas like these, or indeed anywhere where sudden and catastrophic snowstorms could occur, there are certain things you can do to prepare for them.

First, make sure to have a well-stocked emergency kit. That means having nonperishable food and potable water for three days. Solar powered cellphone chargers are also a good idea along with batteries for radios. Many folks don’t own a can opener, so be sure to have one.

Leave the water running as a slow drip on all faucets so that your pipes don’t freeze in the case of a power outage. Carry enough extra fuel in your car so that you can get either home or to a place of safety if a storm suddenly hits. You don’t want to be stuck on the road and be cut off from rescuers. It’s a good idea, too, to have blankets, a bunch of energy bars, and some drinkable water in your car in case you do get stuck.

You should stay inside, if possible, but if you can’t, remember the acronym COLD:

• C stands for keep it “clean.” Dirt attracts moisture.
• O stands for keep it “open.” Tight clothing restricts blood flow and doesn’t allow air circulation.
• L stands for “layers,” which is how you should dress.
• D stands for keep it “dry.” Getting wet in very cold situations is life-threatening.

Even if it’s not cold, there are things you can do to protect yourself, namely the things regarding food, water, solar-powered chargers, and batteries.

In all cases, listen to weather updates because things can change in an instant. Avoid dangerous weather if possible. Evacuate when told to do so.

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