bomb cyclone

noun

plural bomb cyclones

meteorology

: a powerful, rapidly intensifying storm associated with a sudden and significant drop in atmospheric pressure

Tens of thousands of utility workers were working over the weekend after the muscular storm—known as a "bomb cyclone" for its rapid pressure drop—battered neighborhoods from Virginia to Maine.

—Rick Jervis

As incoming air rises around the center of the storm, it gets carried off by the jet stream and that increases the speed of the incoming air. The faster the air moves, the faster the barometric pressure drops. In a really severe nor'easter, the pressure can drop 24 millibars in 24 hours. This is known as a "bomb cyclone."

—Clay Thompson

compare bombogenesis

Examples of bomb cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last week's bomb cyclone was among the region's most destructive windstorms in the last six decades, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024

The historic bomb cyclone, which has already claimed two lives, downed trees, and triggered widespread power outages in the Pacific Northwest, now presents a complex challenge for travelers across the country. —Jim Foerster, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Today’s top stories A bomb cyclone storm could cause rain the L.A. area. —Alyssa Bereznak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024

Weather warnings remain in place as a bomb cyclone continues to churn over the Pacific, bringing dangerous conditions to California, including waves as high as 22 feet in the San Francisco area. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above