What is bombogenesis? Could Storm Stella become a weather bomb?
STORM Stella is battering the East Coast of the US with powerful blizzards and heavy snow. But could the terrifying storm turn into a weather bomb?
Warnings issued as Storm Stella set to deliver foot of snow in US
Blizzard warnings are in effect for eight US states including New York and New Jersey as the storm threatens to turn into a weather bomb.
What is bombogenesis?
The ominous-sounding phenomenon of bombogenesis is a rapid drop in the central pressure of a storm system to create a 'weather bomb'.
Storm Stella is running the risk of becoming a weather bomb as it looms over the US
The drop in pressure, sometimes known as “explosive cyclogenesis”, results in the build up of strong winds as well as wet and stormy conditions.
The reading must drop 24 millibars (hPa) in 24 hours for the storm to be called a ‘weather bomb’.
For a bombogenesis to occur, a strong jet stream normally interacts with a low pressure system near warm ocean currents.
Will Stella become a weather bomb?
The central pressure in Storm Stella has been continuously dropping 1003 millibars since Monday, and is expected to reach 979 millibars this evening.
The system will have to drop at least 24 millibars in 24 hours for it to be classified as a bombogensis.
4:30 AM Tuesday 03/14 - Heavy precipitation continues this morning. Updated accumulation maps: pic.twitter.com/zfuZ4gT71D
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) March 14, 2017
NASA satellite shows storm sweeping over U.S. east coast
Thousands of flight have already been cancelled because of the storm
I encourage all New Yorkers in affected regions to plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary travel as the storm progresses
The Weather Channel warns New York could see winds of up to 50 mph if this happens. In Boston the winds could even reach 75 mph.
The arrival of Storm Stella has lead to the closure of schools in New York City, while thousands of flights have been cancelled.
A bombogenesis is a rapid drop in pressure that can trigger string winds
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "I encourage all New Yorkers in affected regions to plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary travel as the storm progresses.”
STORM STELLA LATEST WEATHER FORECAST UPDATES
A strong winter storm is forecast to impact the East Coast beginning today. Are you prepared? https://t.co/2E4fUWxKrn #WinterSafety pic.twitter.com/TeRCFxwa1M
— NWS (@NWS) March 13, 2017