Potential ‘bomb cyclone’ headed for New York City

October 16, 2019 Mary Frost

A woman walks against heavy wind in Brooklyn in January 2017. AP Photo/Andres Kudacki

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A coastal storm headed for New York City could develop into a “bomb cyclone,” according to the National Weather Service.

A strong jet stream and area of low pressure will likely trigger a rapidly strengthening weather system along the East Coast, blasting New York City with heavy rain and strong winds from overnight Wednesday through early Thursday morning. Wind gusts could hit 40 mph, even after the rain subsides. Gale conditions are expected on the seas.

Wind gusts could hit 40 mph. Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

Emergency Management issued a wind advisory for New York City until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and advised residents to use caution when walking, biking or driving high profile vehicles.

.@NWSNewYorkNY has issued a Wind Advisory for NYC until 6 PM on 10/17. Use caution when walking, biking, or driving high profile vehicles. Wind can cause flying debris. For updates: https://t.co/ZGkKsz9oMq. Multilingual and ASL Link: https://t.co/ZIyzyFVxUO.

— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) October 16, 2019

According to the National Weather Service, the winds could knock down some outdoor power lines and cause tree damage. Coastal flooding is expected in low-lying areas.

“Bombogenesis” is a term used by meteorologists when air pressure drops by at least 24 millibars over 24 hours or less. This can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass.

The more the pressure drops, the more intense the storm, forecasters say.

The storm is also expected to affect upstate New York and New England coastal areas all the way to Maine.