ROCHESTER, N.Y. – We use several methods to measure the intensity of a storm system. One indirect but highly visible indicator is maximum wind gusts. During Monday’s East Coast storm, winds speeds show just how powerful the system became. In Boston, gusts reached 61 mph, while Nantucket recorded a peak gust of 74 mph. This is approaching hurricane force.
For mid-latitude cyclones, however, true intensity is best measured by atmospheric pressure. Meteorologists analyze isobars (lines of equal pressure) to determine how tightly wound and rapidly strengthening a system may be. The faster the pressure falls, the more rapidly the storm is intensifying.
You may have heard the term “bomb cyclone.” This designation applies when a storm undergoes explosive intensification, defined as a drop in central pressure of at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. When that threshold is met, the storm earns the classification. Warmer ocean waters can provide additional energy to fuel this rapid strengthening, often resulting in widespread heavy precipitation and wind gusts ranging from 40 to 75 mph.
During the winter season, a bomb cyclone can also produce blizzard conditions. Blizzard criteria are specific: sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater, combined with visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less due to falling or blowing snow, lasting for at least three consecutive hours.
In this case, many communities along the East Coast experienced blizzard conditions for a prolonged period, highlighting both the strength and persistence of this powerful winter storm.
First Alert Weather In-Depth: Explosive intensification drives powerful East Coast storm WHEC.com.
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