Explosive ‘bomb cyclone’ threatens US East Coast days after historic winter storm

A rapidly strengthening storm system known as a bomb cyclone is expected to take shape off the US Southeast coast this weekend, raising the risk of heavy snow, damaging winds, and dangerous coastal conditions across large portions of the East Coast, just days after a historic winter storm battered the region.

Forecasters say the system is likely to develop early Saturday near the Carolinas before intensifying at an unusually fast pace as it moves north. The storm’s explosive strengthening will be driven by a sharp collision between bitter Arctic air plunging south and warmer, moisture-laden air over the Atlantic Ocean.

Snow forecasts remain uncertain for major cities

Confidence is highest across parts of the Southeast, particularly the Carolinas and southern Virginia, where accumulating snow and strong winds are expected to begin Saturday and persist into Sunday, according to CNN.

Farther north, including the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the forecast becomes far more uncertain. Meteorologists warn that the storm’s exact track, especially how close it stays to the coastline, will determine who sees significant snowfall and who escapes with little more than gusty winds.

A shift of just 100 to 200 miles could dramatically alter impacts along the Interstate-95 corridor, including Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. A coastal-hugging track would raise the risk of a powerful snowstorm with blizzard conditions and dangerous cold, while a more offshore path would likely limit snowfall totals for those cities.

Boston and parts of New England currently appear more likely to see accumulating snow due to their proximity to the storm’s projected path.

Coastal impacts could be severe even without snow

Even regions that miss out on snowfall are facing serious coastal hazards as the storm rapidly intensifies offshore.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that near-hurricane-force wind gusts could coincide with high tides, leading to moderate to locally significant coastal flooding. Forecasters also expect high surf, beach erosion and dangerous marine conditions from the Southeast coast through parts of the Northeast.

A region already under strain

The timing of the storm is especially concerning, as many East Coast communities are still recovering from last weekend’s deadly winter system. Power restoration, snow removal, and infrastructure repairs are ongoing in several areas, while persistently frigid temperatures continue to complicate recovery efforts.

With another powerful storm potentially on the way, officials are urging residents to closely monitor forecasts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions as the weekend approaches.