Bomb cyclone threatens Great Lakes, Northeast regions

WASHINGTON, Dec 31: A powerful winter storm that has brought life across the US to a standstill for the past several days last week is threatening to become a "bomb cyclone" over the Great Lakes and Northeast regions, forecasters said.

Wind alerts have been issued for more than 114 million people across the eastern US.

'Bomb cyclones' occur when a mass of cold air collides with a hotter one, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A frigid Arctic air moving downward into the middle of the country and clashing with warm air in the South causes a range of hazardous conditions, from snowstorms to thunderstorms.

A winter storm was sweeping across the Great Lakes and moving into the Northeast, bringing blizzard conditions, high winds and freezing rain, on Monday.

Several areas will have 6 to 10 inches of snow by Tuesday as a result of the wintry system. Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston are in the path of the storm. As the storm grows wind gusts could also reach 65 or 75 mph.

1,800 flights cancelled

Since last weekend, a powerful winter storm, named Devin, was sweeping across the US, bringing snow, ice, and dangerous winds that have disrupted holiday travel, caused widespread flight cancellations, and prompted emergency declarations in several states

The storm unleashed a dangerous mix of snow, ice and strong winds that has paralyzed travel and raised safety concerns during the busy post-Christmas period.

Northeast (NY, NJ, New England), Midwest (Great Lakes, Detroit), California and Mid-Atlantic are the worst hit. California has reported at least three casualties due to flooding.

Devin intensified over the weekend as it moved eastward from the Plains, evolving into what meteorologists describe as a “bomb cyclone”.

By Sunday evening, the storm had already forced over 1,800 flight cancellations and thousands of delays, with New York’s JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports among the hardest hit. Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Philadelphia International also reported significant disruptions. Airlines including JetBlue, Delta, and Republic Airways grounded hundreds of flights, leaving millions of passengers stranded or rerouted.

Beyond the Northeast, the storm’s impact has been felt nationwide. In the Upper Midwest, blizzard-like conditions have made travel nearly impossible, while in the South, severe thunderstorms accompanied by sharp temperature drops have added to the chaos. California, meanwhile, has faced record rainfall and flooding, with at least three deaths reported due to storm-related incidents.

Authorities in New York and New Jersey declared state of emergency, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Power outages remain a looming threat as ice accumulates on power lines and trees. Emergency crews are on high alert, prepared to respond to stranded motorists and weather-related accidents.

As the storm continues its eastward march, forecasters expect conditions to remain hazardous through early this week.

The US is facing severe travel chaos, dangerous snow and ice, and widespread emergency measures as Winter Storm Devin continues to batter the country.