Those record-low New Year’s Eve temperatures may have seemed like the worst winter could throw at us, but it looks like mother nature has something even more terrifying up her sleeve: a “bomb cyclone.” Yeah, that name isn’t exactly comforting. Bombs and cyclones are two things that we mostly like to avoid. So what’s up with this storm named after two terrifying things?
Well, first things first, the storm’s name is Grayson, so that already makes it less intimidating. A bomb cyclone isn’t actually as bad as it sounds either. It refers to a phenomenon where a cyclone — a low-pressure rotating storm system — rapidly drops in atmospheric pressure. That process is called “bombogenesis.” Wild, we know.
Incredible view of the #bombcyclone from space courtesy of #GOESEast. Classic comma head from a storm like this. pic.twitter.com/ddHory7km3
— Eileen Whelan (@ABC7EileenW) January 4, 2018
This weather system started down in Florida (where it snowed for the first time in 29 years) and is working it’s way up the east coast, bringing with it hurricane-force winds, storm surge, heavy snowfall and even colder temperatures. Grayson is set to hit 15 eastern states and then get to Nova Scotia Thursday night before it effects most of the Maritimes. The storm isn’t as bad as the name would have you believe, but it’s still a good idea to get adequately prepped and stay indoors and off the roads if possible (but if you’re Canadian, you knew that already).
Brrrrr!!!! ❄️❄️❄️ I am freezing out here this morning🙋🏻♀️ Here’s what we are seeing as the sun comes up ☀️@wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/9iEnL5cdSU
— Allyson Henning (@WJXTAllyson) January 4, 2018
Yeah, there’s something not right about an icy road next to a palm tree! pic.twitter.com/WYf9aMRLeR
— Lake City Police (@LCFlaPD) January 4, 2018
People are sharing incredible photos and videos showing the storm’s snowfall and nasty tendency to leave things covered in a thick sheet of ice. Friendly reminder: using washer fluid on your windshield just makes more ice. These Floridians are so cute.
Floridian response to ice on the windshield: Hit it with the washer system. Nope… apparently water turns to ice when it’s actually freezing outside. #bombcyclone pic.twitter.com/c1K0q4Khnq
— kevin coulson (@kevincoulson) January 4, 2018
This is just one of several vehicles that were stuck at the light on College Park Road. Please stay off the roadways! #Cantgowhenthelightsgreen😳🚦 pic.twitter.com/Kh2Q7fy2Yb
— Trooper Bob (@TrooperBob_SCHP) January 4, 2018
The snowy, icy fountain in the Downtown Cary Park. #Downtown #CaryNC #snow #ncwx @wralweather pic.twitter.com/BUF2rfraV4
— Ted Boyd (@Greenmarketguy) January 4, 2018
So how we feeling, Atlantic Canada?
When all the schools and some offices are closed because of the storm, but I can still work from home. #nsstorm pic.twitter.com/AfRuT4oJ6m
— Kristi Colleen (@KristiColleen) January 4, 2018
#BombCyclone here is my response to you while you approach us… pic.twitter.com/sMDugqseUX
— AJ Burton (@CoachAJ_SMCC) January 4, 2018
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