Bomb cyclone: Extreme snow storm hits central US with…

Bomb cyclone: Extreme snow storm hits central US with millions in 'bombogenesis' path

A strong winter storm has brought snow, flood threats, and high winds to parts of central US today.

The blizzard is being referred to as a ‘bomb cyclone’ — or bombogenesis — due to a sharp drop in pressure over a short period of time.

Areas from Texas through to Colorado, the Dakotas and Minnesota are expected to be hit the hardest.

The winds are expected to reach speeds of 100mph in some parts of the impacted areas.

As the storm conditions descended upon the central US, residents tweeted of the cold conditions and the accumulating snow that closed schools down in some cities, while delaying start times in others.

The storm comes as winter is wrapping up, with may parts of the country already beginning to see the weather turning towards warmer temperatures.

But, while conditions have been warming across the US, some 70 million people were expected to be hit by the harsh winter weather provided by the bomb cyclone.

Take a look below for our coverage of the storm as it descended upon the US.

2019-03-13T13:38:53.760Z

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the storm expected to hit parts of America over the next 24 hours.

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This particular storm is being referred to as a 'bomb cyclone'.

Bombogenesis - or 'bomb cyclone' - occurs when a midlatitude cyclone rapidly intensifies, dropping at least 24 millibars (which measures atmospheric pressure) over 24 hours, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Warnings have been posted for New Mexico through to Nebraska over high winds, with speeds reaching up to 100mph, reports say.

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And it's not just high winds. Parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota have received blizzard warnings.

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According to the National Weather Service, the bomb cyclone will bring “near zero visibilities” to parts of America. Travel conditions will also be unsafe, with cities such as Boulder, Colorado, issuing blizzard warnings asking that people cancel all travel plans.

2019-03-13T14:15:51.000Z

The bomb cyclone is expected to impact up to 70 million people when it makes its presence known in the midwest United States this week.

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For those unaware, bomb cyclones occur when there is a rapid pressure drop in the atmosphere, with at least 24 millibars lost within 24 hours. That unit measures atmospheric pressure.

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Here is a look at someone's back yard in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the bomb cyclone is expected to leave a mark.

The path of the weather even extends upward from New Mexico and into several states, impacting up to 70 million people.

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The bomb cyclone is breaking some records, and surprise! Texas gets snow sometimes too.

Here's a quick look at a weather depression map of northern Texas from the bomb cyclone.

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The bomb cyclone is expected to bring, among other things, some significant power outages.

Here's a look at some of those outages in Texas, courtesy of a screenshot of CNN.

2019-03-13T15:30:51.000Z

As some local media and emergency services are making clear, bomb cyclones can take you by surprise.

With an atmospheric drop of 24 millibars in 24 hours, the shift can put you on your heels.

Here's one police department warning its citizens this morning.

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The bomb cyclone could pack a pretty hefty punch.

Winds as high as 50mph to 70mph are expected in a large swath of the US, including the Rockies, the central/northern plains, and the upper midwest.

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Here is a bomb cyclone dog for your viewing pleasure.

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Here's a nice video of wind pulling snow around in Colorado, thanks to a Lockheed Martin employee.

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Some nice satellite footage here shows the path of the bomb cyclone as it makes its way over the mid United States.

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Recreational facilities in Denver, Colorado have been closed in anticipation of the bomb cyclone that is beginning to drop snow in the state and elsewhere.

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