‘Bomb Cyclones’ Are Becoming Frequent Extreme Weather Events

December 02, 2024 | Source: Earth.com | by Andrei Ionescu

A severe storm described as a “once-in-a-decade” event recently devastated the Pacific Northwest, causing widespread power outages, significant damage, and resulting in at least two deaths.

Data indicates that such storms – referred to as bomb cyclones – are becoming more frequent, raising questions about the role of climate change as a potential driver.

A powerful low-pressure system

Frightening satellite images captured a powerful low-pressure system swirling approximately 300 miles off the coast of Washington.

Known as a “bomb cyclone” due to the extremely rapid drop in atmospheric pressure that intensifies its strength, the system lashed Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain.