Bomb Cyclone and Severe Weather Outbreaks
Three tornadoes, including an EF1 with 98 mph winds, were confirmed in central and eastern Illinois on March 28, 2026, as a bomb cyclone caused over 114,000 power outages in Michigan and persistent hazardous travel conditions in the Midwest. As of March 28, 2026: The bomb cyclone continues to impact the Midwest with severe weather. An EF1 tornado with 105 mph winds also touched down in Rector, Arkansas, on March 26, 2026, as part of the severe weather outbreak. The storm system, unofficially named Winter Storm Iona, brought blizzard conditions and significant snowfall, including Green Bay, Wisconsin's snowiest day in 137 years with 14.8 inches on March 15, 2026. Nearly 550,000 customers lost power across affected regions, and over 11,000 flights were delayed or canceled.
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March 2026 — 6 developments
Three tornadoes, including an EF1 with 98 mph winds, were confirmed in central and eastern Illinois.
Three tornadoes, including an EF1 with 98 mph winds, were confirmed in central and eastern Illinois. The bomb cyclone also caused over 114,000 power outages in Michigan, and hazardous travel conditions persist in the Midwest.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, recorded its snowiest day in 137 years on March 15, 2026, with 14.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, recorded its snowiest day in 137 years on March 15, 2026, with 14.8 inches of snow. The bomb cyclone storm system caused blizzard conditions and wind gusts of 50-70 mph across the Midwest, leading to nearly 550,000 customers losing power across affected regions, including over 114,000 households in Michigan.
An EF1 tornado with 105 mph winds touched down in Rector, Arkansas, as part of a severe weather outbreak on the warm side of a bomb cyclone.
An EF1 tornado with 105 mph winds touched down in Rector, Arkansas, as part of a severe weather outbreak on the warm side of a bomb cyclone. The storm system, which began around March 15, 2026, also brought blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes. Over 11,000 flights were delayed or canceled, and nearly 550,000 customers lost power across affected regions.
The March 2026 bomb cyclone, unofficially named Winter Storm Iona, brought blizzard conditions and s…
The March 2026 bomb cyclone, unofficially named Winter Storm Iona, brought blizzard conditions and significant snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions from March 14-17, 2026. It was rated a Category 5 on the Regional Snowfall Index, the first such rating since January 2016. Millions face severe weather threats on the storm's warm side, with potential for destructive winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
A powerful bomb cyclone has brought blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall exceeding 2 feet in some areas, and high winds to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages.
A powerful bomb cyclone has brought blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall exceeding 2 feet in some areas, and high winds to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages. Blizzard warnings were issued across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. The storm system rapidly intensified, meeting the criteria for a bomb cyclone due to a significant drop in atmospheric pressure.
A bomb cyclone caused blizzard conditions across the northern U.
A bomb cyclone caused blizzard conditions across the northern U.S. in late December 2025, bringing severe winter weather to the Midwest and targeting the East Coast with sharply colder air, strong winds, and a mix of snow, ice, and rain. In early March 2026, another bomb cyclone system triggered blizzard conditions across the Northeast and Midwest, with snowfall expected to exceed 15 inches and wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, leading to warnings of life-threatening travel disruptions and significant power outages.
February 2026 — 1 developments
The bomb cyclone caused an estimated $13-15 billion in damages, resulted in dozens of deaths, and br…
The bomb cyclone caused an estimated $13-15 billion in damages, resulted in dozens of deaths, and brought record-breaking snow and bitter cold to the Southeast, including Florida, with cold temperatures expected to extend through mid-February.
January 2026 — 15 developments
A bomb cyclone is rapidly strengthening off the East Coast, intensifying dangerous cold across the eastern and central U.
A bomb cyclone is rapidly strengthening off the East Coast, intensifying dangerous cold across the eastern and central U.S. with temperatures expected to be 10 to 30 degrees colder than average, potentially lasting into early February.
A bomb cyclone is bringing severe winter weather to the Southeast, with significant snowfall, strong…
A bomb cyclone is bringing severe winter weather to the Southeast, with significant snowfall, strong winds, and potential blizzard conditions expected in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Massachusetts is also bracing for the storm, anticipating heavy snowfall and coastal flooding.
The bomb cyclone has been officially named 'Winter Storm Fern' and caused over 4,500 flight cancellations from major hubs like Chicago O'Hare.
The bomb cyclone has been officially named 'Winter Storm Fern' and caused over 4,500 flight cancellations from major hubs like Chicago O'Hare.
Forecasters are now monitoring the potential for another powerful storm to impact the East Coast soon, following the current massive winter storm.
Forecasters are now monitoring the potential for another powerful storm to impact the East Coast soon, following the current massive winter storm. Weather models indicate a likelihood of this second strong storm.
Meteorologists are forecasting a true bomb cyclone along the Eastern Seaboard, which is expected to push Arctic air south and lead to single-digit wind-chill temperatures.
Meteorologists are forecasting a true bomb cyclone along the Eastern Seaboard, which is expected to push Arctic air south and lead to single-digit wind-chill temperatures. This forecast comes as much of the U.S. begins to recover from the initial significant winter storm.
The massive winter storm has resulted in over 800,000 customers losing power across the United States.
The massive winter storm has resulted in over 800,000 customers losing power across the United States.
At least 16 states have declared emergencies due to the massive winter storm.
At least 16 states have declared emergencies due to the massive winter storm. Parts of Missouri and Illinois recorded over 14 inches of snow, with Fredricktown, Missouri, being among the most affected areas.
A colossal winter storm has resulted in at least 13 reported deaths across the nation.
A colossal winter storm has resulted in at least 13 reported deaths across the nation. Temperatures dropped to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Minnesota.
LaGuardia Airport in New York City canceled 93 percent of its entire-day flight schedule due to the historic winter storm.
LaGuardia Airport in New York City canceled 93 percent of its entire-day flight schedule due to the historic winter storm.
A new weather system, Winter Storm Fern, has been upgraded to an "extreme" threat by the National We…
A new weather system, Winter Storm Fern, has been upgraded to an "extreme" threat by the National Weather Service, set to impact over two dozen states from Texas to the northeastern U.S. starting Friday. Midwestern states are preparing for widespread snow and life-threatening arctic cold.
The bomb cyclone produced wind speeds up to 116 mph in New Hampshire and several feet of snow in Michigan.
The bomb cyclone produced wind speeds up to 116 mph in New Hampshire and several feet of snow in Michigan. Over 220,000 customers lost power across the affected regions.
The bomb cyclone produced significant wind gusts, reaching up to 79 mph at Buffalo airport and 70 mph in parts of Michigan and Indiana.
The bomb cyclone produced significant wind gusts, reaching up to 79 mph at Buffalo airport and 70 mph in parts of Michigan and Indiana. The National Weather Service office in Chicago confirmed five tornadoes in their warning area on December 29, including two EF1 twisters.
Winter Storm Ezra brought record snowfall to Syracuse, New York, and triggered high wind alerts for 114 million people across the Northeast United States.
Winter Storm Ezra brought record snowfall to Syracuse, New York, and triggered high wind alerts for 114 million people across the Northeast United States.
The bomb cyclone's severe weather impacts, including widespread disruptions, extended into early January 2026 across the northern U.
The bomb cyclone's severe weather impacts, including widespread disruptions, extended into early January 2026 across the northern U.S. Power outages affected millions of customers.
The bomb cyclone, Winter Storm Ezra, led to nearly 6,000 flight cancellations nationwide, a significant increase from earlier reports.
The bomb cyclone, Winter Storm Ezra, led to nearly 6,000 flight cancellations nationwide, a significant increase from earlier reports. Additionally, Michigan's Upper Peninsula received over a foot of snow.
December 2025 — 17 developments
An intensifying bomb cyclone has brought severe winter weather, including blizzards, treacherous travel conditions, and power outages, to the Midwest.
An intensifying bomb cyclone has brought severe winter weather, including blizzards, treacherous travel conditions, and power outages, to the Midwest. The storm is now heading towards the East Coast after impacting parts of the Plains and Great Lakes regions. Millions experienced travel delays, and hundreds of flights were canceled.
The bomb cyclone caused a 50-car pileup on I-75 in Detroit and halted traffic on Interstate 35 in Minnesota due to numerous accidents.
The bomb cyclone caused a 50-car pileup on I-75 in Detroit and halted traffic on Interstate 35 in Minnesota due to numerous accidents. It also brought significant ice accumulation, an Arctic blast, and dangerously cold wind chills reaching minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota.
A powerful bomb cyclone brought blizzard conditions, treacherous travel, and widespread power outages to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes on December 30, 2025.
A powerful bomb cyclone brought blizzard conditions, treacherous travel, and widespread power outages to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes on December 30, 2025. In Minnesota, the governor called in the National Guard to assist with the crisis response, and a 50-car pileup occurred on I-75 in Detroit, Michigan, with no injuries reported.
A bomb cyclone brought severe weather to the Midwest, including 60-mph winds and a 50-degree Fahrenh…
A bomb cyclone brought severe weather to the Midwest, including 60-mph winds and a 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop in 24 hours, with wind chills reaching -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Separately, a massive winter storm has prompted emergency declarations in 16 states and Washington D.C., impacting areas from the Rockies to the East Coast.
The bomb cyclone, identified as Winter Storm Ezra, brought dangerous wind chills as low as minus 30°…
The bomb cyclone, identified as Winter Storm Ezra, brought dangerous wind chills as low as minus 30°F to North Dakota and Minnesota, along with up to two feet of snow in affected areas.
After bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes, the bomb cyclone was setting its sights on the East Coast.
After bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes, the bomb cyclone was setting its sights on the East Coast.
Waves on Lake Superior were expected to reach 20 feet due to the bomb cyclone, compelling most cargo ships to seek shelter in harbors.
Waves on Lake Superior were expected to reach 20 feet due to the bomb cyclone, compelling most cargo ships to seek shelter in harbors. This specific impact adds to the previously reported hazardous conditions.
Dangerous wind chills as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit were reported in North Dakota and Minnesota, with some areas experiencing a 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop.
Dangerous wind chills as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit were reported in North Dakota and Minnesota, with some areas experiencing a 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop. Over 350,000 customers nationwide lost power, and Interstate 35 in Iowa was closed for over 200 miles due to whiteout conditions.
A bomb cyclone impacted the Upper Midwest in December 2025, causing power outages for approximately 350,000 customers across the United States.
A bomb cyclone impacted the Upper Midwest in December 2025, causing power outages for approximately 350,000 customers across the United States. Michigan was particularly affected, with a third of these outages occurring in the state.
The bomb cyclone paralyzed Marquette, Michigan, with crippling blizzard conditions, and its pressure was equivalent to a Category 1/2 Hurricane.
The bomb cyclone paralyzed Marquette, Michigan, with crippling blizzard conditions, and its pressure was equivalent to a Category 1/2 Hurricane. Dozens of vehicles and snowplows became stranded, and hundreds of trees were topped in the area.
The bomb cyclone caused extensive power outages and temperatures to plummet by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the central U.
The bomb cyclone caused extensive power outages and temperatures to plummet by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the central U.S. Additionally, the storm produced seven tornadoes in parts of Illinois and Indiana.
Fierce winds from the bomb cyclone caused water to surge towards the eastern end of Lake Erie near B…
Fierce winds from the bomb cyclone caused water to surge towards the eastern end of Lake Erie near Buffalo, New York, while simultaneously lowering water levels on the western end, exposing the lakebed.
The storm continued its eastward track, bringing the threat of stronger winds, intensified rain and …
The storm continued its eastward track, bringing the threat of stronger winds, intensified rain and snowfall, widespread power outages, flash flooding, and perilous travel to the Northeast, with interior areas already seeing significant snowfall.
Heavy snow, blizzards, extreme cold, and damaging winds created hazardous conditions stretching from Montana east to Maine, and Texas north to Pennsylvania.
Heavy snow, blizzards, extreme cold, and damaging winds created hazardous conditions stretching from Montana east to Maine, and Texas north to Pennsylvania. Travel was severely impacted, with over 3,000 flights canceled or delayed across the US.
The bomb cyclone exploded over the Great Lakes, fueling Winter Storm Ezra with blizzard conditions and widespread travel disruptions.
The bomb cyclone exploded over the Great Lakes, fueling Winter Storm Ezra with blizzard conditions and widespread travel disruptions. Blizzard conditions with near-hurricane-force winds were forecast around the Great Lakes.
Meteorologists warned that an arctic front clashing with warm air would rapidly intensify the system into a 'bomb cyclone' over the Midwest and Great Lakes through Monday.
Meteorologists warned that an arctic front clashing with warm air would rapidly intensify the system into a 'bomb cyclone' over the Midwest and Great Lakes through Monday. More than eight million people were under winter storm warnings, and nearly two million under blizzard warnings.
The winter storm began to take shape over the Plains and Upper Midwest, with winds reportedly reachi…
The winter storm began to take shape over the Plains and Upper Midwest, with winds reportedly reaching over 60 mph and causing initial power outages for approximately 300,000 customers nationwide, notably in Michigan.
March 2019 — 2 developments
A bomb cyclone has caused severe flooding in the American Midwest, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
A bomb cyclone has caused severe flooding in the American Midwest, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. At least three people have died due to the flooding, with the situation expected to worsen in some regions. Governors in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin have declared states of emergency.
A "bomb cyclone" in March 2019 brought winds nearing 100 mph to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages and stranding vehicles.
A "bomb cyclone" in March 2019 brought winds nearing 100 mph to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages and stranding vehicles. The storm resulted in blizzard conditions in parts of South Dakota, with up to 18 inches of snow. Severe flooding occurred in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin, forcing thousands to evacuate and leading to at least three deaths.