Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Bomb cyclone: Extreme snow storm hits central US with millions in 'bombogenesis' path

An unusually strong late-winter storm is expected to hit parts of America

Clark Mindock
New York
Wednesday 13 March 2019 14:06 EDT
Comments
Bomb cyclone spreads hits Colorado in US

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A strong winter storm has brought snow, flood threats, and high winds to parts of central US today.

The blizzard is being referred to as a ‘bomb cyclone’ — or bombogenesis — due to a sharp drop in pressure over a short period of time.

Areas from Texas through to Colorado, the Dakotas and Minnesota are expected to be hit the hardest.

The winds are expected to reach speeds of 100mph in some parts of the impacted areas.

As the storm conditions descended upon the central US, residents tweeted of the cold conditions and the accumulating snow that closed schools down in some cities, while delaying start times in others.

The storm comes as winter is wrapping up, with may parts of the country already beginning to see the weather turning towards warmer temperatures.

But, while conditions have been warming across the US, some 70 million people were expected to be hit by the harsh winter weather provided by the bomb cyclone.

Take a look below for our coverage of the storm as it descended upon the US.

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load

As some local media and emergency services are making clear, bomb cyclones can take you by surprise.

With an atmospheric drop of 24 millibars in 24 hours, the shift can put you on your heels.

Here's one police department warning its citizens this morning.

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 15:30

The bomb cyclone could pack a pretty hefty punch.

Winds as high as 50mph to 70mph are expected in a large swath of the US, including the Rockies, the central/northern plains, and the upper midwest.

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 15:45

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 16:00

Here is a bomb cyclone dog for your viewing pleasure.

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 16:15

Here's a nice video of wind pulling snow around in Colorado, thanks to a Lockheed Martin employee.

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 16:30

Some nice satellite footage here shows the path of the bomb cyclone as it makes its way over the mid United States.

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 16:45

Recreational facilities in Denver, Colorado have been closed in anticipation of the bomb cyclone that is beginning to drop snow in the state and elsewhere.

Clark Mindock13 March 2019 17:00

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in