A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, happens when a mid-latitude storm system strengthens very quickly, usually over the course of about 24 hours. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this rapid shift is marked by a sharp drop in air pressure.

When turbulent weather with whipping winds and heavy snow is in the forecast, meteorologists sometimes warn that a storm could "bomb out" or become a bomb cyclone. But what exactly does this mean?According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric ...

A strengthening bomb cyclone barreled across the northern U.S. on Monday, unleashing severe winter weather in the Midwest as it took aim at the East Coast. The storm brought blizzard conditions, treacherous travel and power outages to parts of the Plains ...