Last week, the Pacific Coast was battered by a bomb cyclone, and the suburbs south of Buffalo, NY, endured a heavy lake-effect snowstorm. These powerful weather events pose significant challenges for communities in their paths. But what exactly are bomb cyclones and lake-effect snow?
This article provides an overview of these powerful forces of nature and their impact on affected communities.
What is a Bomb Cyclone?
A bomb cyclone is a rapidly intensifying storm system that occurs when atmospheric pressure plummets dramatically (at least 24 millibars within 24 hours). This is a process called explosive cyclogenesis.
Depending on the region and season, these storms can bring hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, and heavy snowfall. The recent bomb cyclone that struck the Pacific Coast caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Several neighborhoods were left without electricity for days, and emergency crews worked around the clock to clear debris and restore essential services. The sharp difference in atmospheric pressure between the storm’s center and the surrounding areas generated destructive winds that added to the devastation.
What is Lake-Effect Snow?
Lake-effect snow, meanwhile, is a localized phenomenon that occurs when cold air sweeps over the relatively warmer waters of a lake, picking up heat and moisture. As this air mass moves inland, it cools and releases the moisture as snow. Last week’s lake-effect snowstorm off Lake Erie in Western New York affected the region, with residents waking up to snowdrifts several feet high. Roads were closed, and travel bans were declared.
Both weather events are consistent with the effects of La Niña, a climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Oceans. During La Niña winters, the jet stream often shifts northward, creating favorable conditions for intense storms along the Pacific Coast and colder air masses over the Great Lakes.
This alignment likely contributed to the recent bomb cyclone and the heavy lake-effect snowfall in Western New York. While La Niña may not be the sole cause of these events, it significantly enhances the atmospheric patterns that make such extreme weather more likely.
Be Prepared for Bomb Cyclones and Lake-Effect Snow
The impacts of bomb cyclones and lake-effect snowstorms can be mitigated by proactive preparation. Here are a few tips for individuals and communities to improve resilience:
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, medications, and a first-aid kit. Ensure you have enough supplies for at least three days.
- To stay ahead of rapidly changing conditions, monitor local weather alerts and sign up for emergency notifications from government agencies.
- To reduce flooding risks, secure your property by trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture, and ensuring clear gutters and storm drains.
- Plan for power outages with backup power options such as generators or power banks. Store extra fuel and consider investing in solar-powered chargers for small devices.
- Winterize your home and vehicle by insulating windows and doors and keeping emergency supplies in your car, including a shovel, ice scraper, and warm clothing.
- Develop a family communication plan with clear steps for staying connected and safe during emergencies.
- Participate in community preparedness by participating in local response drills and training programs.
For emergency managers and communities, these events highlight the critical need for preparation and resilience. At Tidal Basin, we specialize in helping communities navigate these challenges, offering disaster preparedness, response, and recovery expertise. Our tailored strategies empower communities to face these challenges head-on.
Get in touch today to learn how we can help your community prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future.
