What Exactly Is a 'Bomb Cyclone' and Is One of These Monster Storms on Its Way?

Well, on the bright side—it will likely be a white Christmas.

Although there's no place like home for the holidays, there are times when traveling back home may not be possible. And as we get closer and closer to Christmas this week, many people around the country are in limbo wondering how their plans will be impacted—due to impending winter storms, especially one known as a "bomb cyclone." This brings us to the question of the hour: What is a bomb cyclone, exactly?

The term has been all over the news lately, along with "flash freeze" warnings. So we're covering what you need to know about storms and travel this week, ahead of Christmas 2022. We've got what you need to expect, as well as how to best prepare.

What Is a Bomb Cyclone?

As Alex Sosnowski, senior meteorologist for AccuWeather explains, a bomb cyclone is a storm that undergoes rapid strengthening. A bomb cyclone may also be referred to as "bombogenesis" or "weather bomb." 

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According to Sosnowski, "Storms that undergo bombogenesis are among the most violent weather systems that affect a broad area. This is because the rapidly ascending air near the center of the storm must be replaced by air surrounding the storm. As these winds move toward the center of the storm at high speed, property damage can occur, trees may fall and the power may go out."

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What To Know About Christmas Travel 2022

From Thursday to Saturday, we're going to be hit in the United States especially in the Midwest with snowstorms, dangerous drops in temperature, icy conditions and so much more.

Flight delays and cancellations will be likely, and if you're planning to drive to a Christmas gathering, the roads may be impacted depending on where you are located. Another weather term we are hearing related to this week? "Flash freeze." So that's something to take note of as well—with all the precipitation expected and the freezing temperatures (all happening extremely quickly), the storm may seem to come out of nowhere and become incredibly dangerous incredibly fast.

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As The Weather Channel explains, severe travel impact because of snow, wind and cold is expected through at least Friday or Saturday. With Christmas landing on Sunday, many people will likely have to shift around their holiday plans this year.

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How To Best Prepare for a Bomb Cyclone

If you do have to drive this week, whether it's for a holiday gathering or you have an emergency that requires getting out and about, keep an emergency kit with you in your vehicle and dress accordingly (layers, layers, layers).

What To Pack in Your Emergency Kit 

  1. Flashlights

  2. Road Flares

  3. Blankets

  4. Snacks

  5. Water

  6. Shovels

  7. First-Aid Kit

  8. USB Power Banks

  9. Extra Batteries

  10. Reflective Triangles

  11. Emergency Whistle

  12. Jumper Cables

  13. Ice Scraper

  14. Bag of Cat Litter

  15. Extra Hats, Mittens, Scarves, etc.

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Even if you are not traveling, storms like these may disrupt your home life as well due to the freezing temperatures and the real possibility of losing power for a short or long amount of time. Here are some things to make sure you have on-hand before the bomb cyclone comes through the U.S.

What To Have On-Hand at Home

  1. Flashlights

  2. Candles

  3. USB Power Banks

  4. Firewood

  5. Extra Batteries

  6. Extra Blankets

  7. Hats, Mittens, Scarves, etc.

  8. Non-perishable Food

  9. Water Bottles

  10. Food for Pets

Next: Will It Be a White Christmas In Your Area? This Handy Tool Predicts Whether or Not You'll See Snow This Year