#blizzard-conditions

#blizzard-conditions

Extreme winds ripping across the US could bring hurricane levels of destruction and impact thousands of air travelers flying across the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued high wind warnings throughout more than 10 states in the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Southwest throughout Tuesday. Wind gusts are expected to reach hurricane strength in parts of Colorado, Montana, Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming, exceeding 75mph.

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, certain storms undergo bombogenesis, which happens when a storm's central pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. These storms are sometimes called bomb cyclones. Storm intensity is measured by central pressure, so the lower the pressure, the stronger the storm. Such rapidly strengthening storms are capable of producing heavy rain, blizzard conditions and intense winds that can create dangerous conditions such as downed trees and power outages.