A severe blizzard, officially classified as a “bomb cyclone,” is currently hammering the northeastern United States, bringing record snowfall, hurricane-force winds, and rare “thundersnow” to multiple states. The storm began intensifying late Sunday, February 22nd, and continues to disrupt travel and daily life across the region.
What is a Bomb Cyclone?
The term “bomb cyclone” refers to rapid intensification of a low-pressure weather system. Specifically, it occurs when a storm’s central atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. This rapid drop fuels extreme weather conditions: high winds, heavy precipitation, and, in this case, dangerous blizzard conditions. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with sustained winds exceeding 35 mph (56 km/h) and visibility below a quarter-mile for at least three hours.
Satellite Views and Impacted Areas
Satellites, including the GOES East satellite managed by NASA and NOAA, are providing overhead views of the storm’s intensity. The footage reveals a massive, spiraling system just off the coast. Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and other states are experiencing the brunt of the impact, with several regions declaring states of emergency and implementing travel bans.
Record Snowfall and Thundersnow
As of Monday afternoon, multiple locations have already received significant snowfall. Central Park in New York City reported 15 inches (38 centimeters) by 7:00 a.m. ET, while Newark saw 18.3 inches (46 cm). In Swansea, Massachusetts, snowfall reached an astonishing 26.5 inches (67 cm).
The storm is also producing a rare phenomenon known as “thundersnow” – thunderstorms within a blizzard. This occurs when strong instability and abundant moisture combine to create lightning strikes even amidst heavy snowfall. Local reports from Boston confirm thundersnow occurring over Scituate, Massachusetts.
Wind Speeds and Severity
Wind speeds have reached dangerous levels, with Montauk Point in New York clocking gusts of 84 mph (135 km/h) on Monday. These hurricane-force winds, combined with heavy snow, are creating treacherous conditions and power outages.
The combination of extreme cold, high winds, and heavy snowfall makes this storm particularly dangerous. Travel is strongly discouraged in affected areas.
The bomb cyclone is expected to continue its course through Monday, with additional feet of snow projected for the hardest-hit regions. Residents are advised to heed local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
