Heavy snow and strong winds are sweeping across the Northeastern United States as a powerful winter storm intensifies offshore. Forecasters said the system now met the definition of a bomb cyclone after central air pressure dropped rapidly over 24 hours. Blizzard warnings have been issued for major cities along Interstate 95, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. Snow fell as much as 3 inches per hour in some areas, with wind gusts reaching 60 miles per hour. According to Fox News, more than 250,000 customers were without power in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with New Jersey reporting the most outages. Travel conditions are deteriorating as whiteout conditions reduce visibility and snow continues to accumulate.
Bomb making leads to harsh US winter weather
Meteorologists classified the system as a bomb cyclone because its central pressure quickly dropped to around 988 millibars. This process is called “blastogenesis” and occurs when midlatitude cyclones rapidly intensify over a 24-hour period.The required pressure drop depends on the location. Around the latitude of New York City, a drop of about 17 to 18 millibars a day is sufficient. Further north, the benchmark is even higher. The current storm has already reached this threshold.
Blizzard disrupts major cities
Blizzard warnings cover parts of New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Snow fell heavily at times, with persistent winds blowing it across roads and railway lines.Air travel has been disrupted and some train services have been suspended. Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors unless traveling is necessary. Rough surf and minor flooding also occurred at exposed locations along the coast.
power failure Rise as wind gusts reach 60 mph
Utilities reported widespread outages, particularly in New Jersey, where more than 100,000 customers were without power. Wet snow and strong winds knocked down tree limbs and power lines. Staff are working under difficult conditions. Recovery may take some time as snow continues and winds remain strong. Forecasters expect the storm to gradually move northeastward, although cold air may persist after the heavy snowfall ends.
