Bomb Cyclone Produces Historic Snow Totals and Hurricane-Like Winds

Preliminary reports indicate over 3 feet of snow and winds exceeding Category 1 hurricane levels in the Northeast.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A massive bomb cyclone produced historic snowfall totals and hurricane-strength winds in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Preliminary reports indicate that some parts of the region received over 3 feet of snow and winds in excess of a Category 1 hurricane.

Why it matters

Bomb cyclones are powerful winter storms that can cause widespread disruption and damage. This storm highlights the increasing intensity of winter weather events driven by climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared for such extreme conditions.

The details

The nor'easter was a classic bomb cyclone, with a rapid drop in pressure of over 1 millibar per hour for 24 hours. This led to massive snow totals, with the highest preliminary measurement of 37.9 inches at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Many locations in the Northeast received multiple feet of snow, accompanied by sustained winds well over 35 mph, with some gusts reaching 83-84 mph - hurricane force.

  • The storm occurred in late February 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The U.S. government agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather warnings.

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What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to analyze the data from this historic storm to better understand the impacts of bomb cyclones and improve forecasting and preparedness for future extreme winter weather events.

The takeaway

This bomb cyclone demonstrates the increasing severity of winter storms driven by climate change, underscoring the need for communities to be well-prepared with robust emergency response plans and infrastructure to withstand such powerful weather events.