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

Two bomb cyclones might pound the U.S. from opposite coasts over the next few days. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

The Pacific Northwest, which has played host to a series of surly atmospheric rivers and a bomb cyclone in recent days, should finally quiet down, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys told USA TODAY on Sunday as that national weather picture for the holiday grew sharper. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024

California California’s rainy season begins with a bomb cyclone bang. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

Even as a bomb cyclone drenches much of Oregon this week, don't expect to find many residents taking refuge under umbrellas. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above