On Wednesday, the United States East Coast braced for a storm that would bring heavy rain, powerful gusts, and possibly hazardous conditions. An atmospheric river and the formation of a bomb cyclone caused this uncommon weather pattern, which predicted a drastic shift in regional circumstances.
Meteorologists warned that the combination of these powerful systems might cause localized flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions as people braced for the volatile system to strike.
According to Derek Schroeter, a forecaster with the National Weather Service stationed in Gray, Maine, Western Maine, and other regions of the East Coast might see a whirlwind of extreme weather in a single day. Forecasters anticipate freezing rain, severe downpours, unusually warm temperatures, and devastating gusts in the region.
What Is a Bomb Cyclone and When Will It Hit?
This Article Includes
Forecasters expect that the heavy rain and high winds will continue into Wednesday night in many regions, with localized flooding being a major risk. Wind gusts over 60 mph could cause widespread damage, forcing utilities to prepare for probable power outages as personnel are ready to respond to anticipated interruptions.
Meteorologists have warned that the storm might undergo bombogenesis, often known as a “bomb cyclone,” a phenomenon in which a cyclone rapidly intensifies over a short period of time. This mechanism might result in heavy rainfall and increased storm impact.
Similar situations could have occurred elsewhere between Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
“We’re looking at the risk of slick travel (Tuesday night) with the freezing rain,” said Schroeter, “and we are going to be watching for the potential for flash flooding and sharp rises on streams as temperatures rise into the 50s.”
What Is the Difference Between a Bomb Cyclone and Atmospheric River?
According to Schroeter, one of the key causes of the East Coast’s spectacular weather is an atmospheric river, which is a long band of water vapor capable of carrying moisture from the tropics to northern latitudes.
This storm poses a unique hazard to New England since it has the ability to take moisture from the Atlantic Ocean near the southeastern United States and send it to places like Maine. Schroeter described the system as a “multifaceted storm,” warning that certain regions of the state might receive two to three inches of rain, increasing the risk of floods and other weather-related issues.
Parts of the Northeast were already preparing for the storm’s impact. Some schools in Maine opened late on Tuesday due to a few inches of snow earlier that day. Meanwhile, Vermont issued a flood watch from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning as the state braced for heavy rain and potential floods.
How Do I Prepare for a Bomb Cyclone?
In Montpelier, Vermont, local officials advised residents to brace themselves for possible minor flooding. Advisories recommend elevating items in basements and low-lying locations susceptible to water incursion. The city stressed continued cooperation with the National Weather Service and Vermont Dam Safety, telling citizens that it will “actively monitor the river levels as this storm passes through.”
Meanwhile, ski resorts in the Northeast braced for a rainy day. Stratton Mountain Resort in southern Vermont warned tourists on its website to bring their Gore-Tex gear since it was going to be a wet day. The storm’s impact threatened to disrupt midweek preparations for skiers and snowboarders alike.