A rapidly intensifying winter storm has evolved into a powerful bomb cyclone across many parts of the United States, causing extensive travel disruptions just days before the New Year holiday. This system, identified as Winter Storm Ezra, has resulted in blizzard conditions, damaging winds, and power outages, impacting travelers during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
Air travel faced significant challenges as worsening weather conditions led to numerous flight cancellations and delays. By Monday afternoon, nearly 6,000 flights were delayed and over 750 cancelled, according to FlightAware. Since Friday, weather-related disruptions have caused more than 3,600 cancellations and over 30,000 delays nationwide. Major airports, including Washington Dulles, Boston Logan, Newark Liberty, and Detroit Metropolitan, implemented ground stops or extended delays due to high winds and poor visibility. Major airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue waived change fees to assist stranded passengers.
A bomb cyclone is a severe storm that occurs when atmospheric pressure drops rapidly, typically by at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. This rapid intensification can result in hurricane-force winds, heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and flooding. Meteorologists noted that Winter Storm Ezra gained strength as frigid Arctic air collided with warmer air from the southern United States, leading to dramatic temperature fluctuations. Some areas in the central US experienced overnight drops of nearly 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blizzard conditions affected the Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes, with wind chills dropping to minus 30°F in North Dakota and Minnesota. Snowfall accumulation reached up to two feet in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, while whiteout conditions made road travel extremely perilous. Over 350,000 customers lost power across the nation, with Michigan and upstate New York being among the worst affected regions. On the Great Lakes, waves on Lake Superior approached 20 feet, prompting cargo vessels to seek shelter and raising flood concerns along Lake Erie.
Forecasters have warned that hazardous conditions could persist into early Tuesday as the storm progresses eastward. Various parts of the Northeast have been placed under winter storm warnings for freezing rain, flooding rain, and additional lake-effect snow. Authorities are advising residents to avoid non-essential travel and remain vigilant regarding weather advisories as this powerful system continues to impact vast areas of the country.
Q1. What is a bomb cyclone?
Answer: A bomb cyclone is a severe storm characterized by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure, resulting in extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy snowfall, and flooding.
Q2. What effects did Winter Storm Ezra have on travel?
Answer: Winter Storm Ezra caused significant travel disruptions, including thousands of flight cancellations and delays, impacting major airports across the United States.
Q3. How does Arctic air influence winter storms?
Answer: Arctic air can intensify winter storms when it collides with warmer air, leading to rapid temperature drops and severe weather conditions like blizzards.
Q4. What precautions should be taken during a bomb cyclone?
Answer: During a bomb cyclone, residents should avoid non-essential travel, stay updated with weather advisories, and prepare for possible power outages and hazardous conditions.
Q5. How can blizzards impact power supply?
Answer: Blizzards can lead to downed power lines and outages due to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and ice accumulation, affecting thousands of customers.
Question 1: What defines a bomb cyclone?
A) A storm with rapid pressure drop
B) A hurricane
C) A summer storm
D) A thunderstorm
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What major impact did Winter Storm Ezra have on air travel?
A) Increased flights
B) Flight delays and cancellations
C) No impact
D) Only local flights affected
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which region was most affected by extreme cold and blizzards?
A) Southeast
B) Pacific Coast
C) Midwest
D) Southwest
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What should residents do during a bomb cyclone?
A) Travel freely
B) Ignore weather warnings
C) Stay indoors and avoid travel
D) Go out for supplies
Correct Answer: C
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