What is a Bomb Cyclone? Meteorologists Explain Rapidly Intensifying Storms

Powerful storms that rapidly strengthen can bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and intense winds.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:31pm

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A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm's central pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, creating fierce winds, heavy snow, and dangerous conditions. These rapidly strengthening storms are capable of producing heavy rain, blizzard conditions, and intense winds that can lead to downed trees and power outages.

Why it matters

Bomb cyclones can happen in any season but are more common during the fall and winter when frigid Arctic air clashes with warmer air masses, creating areas of low pressure that rapidly intensify. Regions prone to seeing bomb cyclones include Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes.

The details

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, certain storms undergo bombogenesis when a storm's central pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. These rapidly strengthening storms are measured by their central pressure, with lower pressure indicating a stronger storm.

  • Bomb cyclones can happen in any season, but mainly occur during the fall and winter months.

The players

Andrew Orrison

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.

U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The agency that defines the criteria for a storm to be considered a bomb cyclone.

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What they’re saying

“If you're watching TV at night and the weather report comes on and you're hearing 'bomb cyclone' being used, that usually means there's quite a bit of active weather going on.”

— Andrew Orrison, Meteorologist

“It's really the clash of those air masses that really kind of helps to generate the areas of low pressure in the first place.”

— Andrew Orrison, Meteorologist

The takeaway

Bomb cyclones are a type of rapidly intensifying storm that can bring dangerous weather conditions like heavy snow, blizzards, and intense winds. Understanding the meteorological factors that lead to bomb cyclone formation can help communities prepare for and respond to these powerful storms.