When we first wrote about bomb cyclones a year or so ago, it was in the fall and the expected precipitation was rain over areas that had been stripped of vegetation by droughts and wildfires. At the time, significant rain and flooding were predicted for the area.
Bomb cyclone
A bomb cyclone is a storm that develops very quickly. When a storm's atmospheric pressure drops very quickly, the storm picks up more air and strength, becoming stronger faster producing a bomb cyclone. To be considered a bomb cyclone, the pressure must drop 24 millibars in 24 hours. The process of this rapid drop in pressure is called bombogenesis. Remember, the lower the barometric pressure, the stronger the storm. Strong storms create large amounts of rain, which can create another problem: flooding.
Currently, a storm more than 1,000 miles wide is headed across the United States, mixing with cold arctic air to cause rapidly falling temperatures, as much as 40 degrees in some areas. In some areas, that drop may occur over 5 to 6 hours. Along with the temperature drop, strong wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour are expected.
These falling temperatures and winds mean that the precipitation will likely be snow in many areas, and any wet roads from earlier rainfall may flash-freeze when the temperature drops. Blizzard conditions and freezing rain are expected in many areas, as well as dangerously cold temperatures.
All this weather comes as thousands of people are traveling for the holiday and will be on the roads. Flights will likely be delayed due to the storm and high winds, and road travel may be more hazardous as well.
If you're traveling by air, there's not much you can do, other than have snacks and an extra change of clothes in your carry-on in case you get stranded at the airport. Don't forget extra medications, in their original prescription bottles, if anyone in the family takes daily medication.
Traveling by Car
If you're traveling by car, then a review of your emergency car kit is in order. Given that we're talking about severe weather, emergency survival blankets are critical, as are non-perishable food and water. You may want an additional warm blanket, and we do mean warm. Gloves, hats, a few ice scrapers, a shovel, and hand warmers are recommended. Our executive editor has had occasion to use both a blanket (which she later upgraded to a warmer one – it gets cold after an hour or so of waiting for AAA, even in above freezing temps!) and a snow shovel on different occasions.
Other things you should have in your emergency car kit include:
- Flashlights with good batteries and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles or other high-visibility material
- A portable phone charger
- Kitty litter for traction
- First aid kit
- Tools – either a good multitool or some sort of basic tool kit
- Matches or other fire starters
- Jumper cables
- Extra gloves
Depending on the number of people traveling with you, you will want to increase the quantities of food, water, and blankets as needed. Have extra medications handy as well. Knowing that you could be stranded for a number of hours, toilet paper and paper towels are very practical items to have, as well as a garbage bag or two. Remember in January 2022, hundreds of people were stranded on I-95 in Virginia overnight – you want to ensure that you and your vehicle are prepared for such a situation if the worst happens. Also, remember to start with a full tank of gas, and keep snow away from the exhaust pipe. It's ok to run the vehicle now and again for heat, but a blocked exhaust pipe risks a buildup of carbon monoxide.
Protecting the House
But just because your vehicle and luggage are ready doesn't mean you're ready to go. You need to ensure your house is protected, too. With such bitter cold, you may want to increase the heat a degree or two to keep the temperature stable. At any rate, don't set it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Open cabinet doors surrounding sinks so that air can circulate. Let the water run just a trickle, as running water helps keep pipes from freezing.
If you have an outside spigot, turn off the water to the outside and drain the line; you may also want to cover the faucet itself with a foam cover to prevent it from getting too cold.
Other Household Issues
But it's Christmas; what about the tree? If it's a live tree, be sure it's well-watered before you leave, and be sure all holiday lights are turned off. If you put your tree up early, even well-watered it's apt to be starting to dry out soon and be a serious fire hazard. You might want to have your neighbors check on it as an extra precaution if you don't already have someone looking after the home.
Once you're done with the tree, dispose of it properly; do not put branches in the fireplace. They are extremely combustible and may start a fire that rapidly gets out of control. Electric candles, whether on menorahs or just for decoration, are helpful as well. There are many decorative candles available now that don't present the fire hazard that wax candles do. Preparation is key – while preparation may not avoid all hazards, it can help you cope with whatever happens. If you are one of the unfortunate ones who experiences an auto accident, frozen pipes, or some other misadventure, do what you can to mitigate the damage immediately and call your insurance company to report the claim. Take photos of any damage before starting any cleanup. The insurer will want the date of loss, what happened, and what was damaged, along with other information.
Christine G. Barlow, CPCU
Christine G. Barlow, CPCU, is Executive Editor of FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and ALM. Christine has over thirty years’ experience in the insurance industry, beginning as a claims adjuster then working as an underwriter and underwriting supervisor handling personal lines. Christine regularly presents and moderates webinars on a variety of topics and is an experienced presenter.