THURSDAY STORM UPDATE: Blizzard’s Full Potential Didn’t Develop, Impact Still High In Colorado DENVER (CBS) – Our moisture-packed Spring storm — now considered a Bomb Cyclone — is spinning across Colorado and mixing it up with cold air flowing into northeastern areas of the state. This means the forecast is holding together for blizzard conditions to develop by afternoon across Denver and northeastern Colorado. Forecasters use the term “Bomb Cyclone” to describe a storm that has a dramatic drop in pressure in a one day period. Now, The conventional criteria to call a storm a bomb cyclone is a 24 millibar drop in pressure within 24 hours. Our latest spring storm has had a drop of 17 millibars in less than 24 hours. But, according to David Roth, a senior forecast at NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center, storms in lower latitudes have a lower threshold for being deemed a bomb cyclone. PHOTO GALLERY: Bomb Cyclone: April Blizzard The term bomb cyclone has been around since 1980 and is not related to how much snow you will see. It is totally just a measure of how much the pressure has dropped in any given storm system. The Blizzard Warning is in effect through noon Thursday from the Palmer Divide north through Denver, Fort Collins and Cheyenne out across the northeastern plains. Wind gusts could reach 35 to 55 mph with up to four-to-10 inches of snow. There are also a Winter Storm Watches and Advisories for the northern, Central and Southwest mountains of the state for at least a foot of snow in some areas. RELATED: CDOT Makes Call To Shut Down Eastbound Lanes Of I-76 Travel will be very difficult across eastern Colorado Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Blowing snow will dramatically hinder visibility and roads will become slushy, icy and snow packed in many areas. Travel tonight is discouraged. But, if you have to travel keep be sure and pack blankets, food, water and even a flashlight. The snowfall will be very heavy and wet. So that along with strong winds may cause tree branches to break. This may result in a few power outages across the region. Here is the North American snow model for the snowfall through Thursday. Not exact numbers but, gives communities an idea of what to expect.<doc-sep>This week’s storm is no bomb cyclone. But it’s going to be a strong one, and it could just wind up in the record books once again. A strong spring storm is set to hit Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday, one that could drop several inches of snow in parts of the Denver metro area and the state’s Eastern Plains. But similar to last month’s bomb cyclone, snow totals may not end up being the storm’s highest impact. Wind may well end up being the highest impact of this week’s storm for many, and that’ll likely be the byproduct of an anomalously strong area of low pressure — similar to last month’s bomb cyclone. Like last month’s bomb cyclone, official pressure records are somewhat hard to come by. But, according to an estimate from the Weather Prediction Center’s David Roth, Colorado’s record lowest sea level pressure in the month of April is somewhere between 984 and 980 millibars. This is believed to have taken place during a storm in early April 1975, also according to Roth’s archives. More specifically, a pressure measurement of 979.3 millibars took place in Denver on April 7, 1975, according to the Colorado Climate Center. Another measurement of 979.1 millibars took place in Holyoke on April 19, 1973. The Holyoke number is likely the magic number that Wednesday’s storm will have to hit in order for this storm to be considered the strongest April low-pressure center on record for the state. RELATED: Denver weather: Shifting from 80 degrees to 22 degrees and up to 7 inches of snow in one day Sea level pressure is an indicator of the overall strength of a specific storm, and the lower the pressure, the stronger the storm. Some computer models are estimating this storm’s strength to rival the 1975 system. As of Monday morning’s model updates, pressure levels across far eastern Colorado will likely drop into the low-to-mid 980s. The Weather Prediction Center was estimating Wednesday’s storm to fall into the 985 to 990 millibar range, putting it within striking distance of the April record. Based on the Monday morning computer updates, however, only the GFS model showed the storm breaking the record. Most of the computer model simulations showed the storm a few millibars higher than the 979 record from 1975, though close enough to where it’s still a possibility. “Forecasts suggest that this storm could get close to April records for low pressure,” said Dr. Russ Schumacher, Colorado’s state climatologist and the director of the Colorado Climate Center. Regardless of the exact pressure level, Wednesday’s storm will be a strong one, and unusually so for Colorado. Warm air ahead of the storm — Denver will likely hit 80 degrees on Tuesday ahead of the storm — will fall ahead of an unseasonably cold air mass behind it. This clash of air masses helps, in part, fuel areas of low pressure. Winds could howl well in excess of 60 mph on Wednesday evening in eastern Colorado, making blizzard conditions and power outages likely as the storm moves through. Chris Bianchi is a meteorologist for WeatherNation TV.<doc-sep>A mural of George Floyd is shown in the intersection of 38th St & Chicago Ave on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Community members continue preparations during the third day in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with multiple counts of murder in the death of George Floyd. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 01: President Donald Trump's lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani talks to journalists outside the White House West Wing July 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Giuliani did an on-camera interview with One America News Network's Chanel Rion before talking to other journalists about Vice President Joe Biden and the news that Russian intelligence may have paid Taliban operatives to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Vigils & tributes to George Floyd one year since his murder ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Former President Donald Trump addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency on February 28, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. Begun in 1974, CPAC brings together conservative organizations, activists, and world leaders to discuss issues important to them. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Here's what reported grand jury in Trump case may look like NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 09: People walk past the Trump Tower as the impeachment trial of Donald Trump begins in Washington on February 09, 2021 in New York City. After listening to nearly four hours of legal arguments, the Senate has voted on Tuesday to move ahead with the impeachment trial of former President Trump. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Report: US companies may have benefited from forced labor of Uyghurs WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the conflict in the Middle East from Cross- Hall of the White House on May 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Israel and Hamas announced that they would agree to a cease-fire, which will take into effect on Friday, following days of fighting that claimed more than 200 lives. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 26: A view of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light-rail yard where a mass shooting occurred on May 26, 2021 in San Jose, California. A VTA employee opened fire at the yard, with preliminary reports indicating nine people dead including the gunman. (Photo by Philip Pacheco/Getty Images) A healthcare worker prepares to administer a Pfizer/BioNTEch coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine at The Michener Institute, in Toronto, Ontario on December 14, 2020. - Ontario, Canada's most populous province and one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, had 1,940 new cases and 23 deaths on Monday. The province is expected to give its next doses to nursing home workers as a priority, according to media reports. (Photo by CARLOS OSORIO / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS OSORIO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) 'Never seen levels like this': Union president on airline passenger misconduct Memorial Day weekend will bring rain and cool air for much of the East James Little crosses the street during a blizzard on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, in Cheyenne, Wyo. Heavy snow hit Cheyenne about mid-morning Wednesday and was spreading into Colorado and Nebraska. (Jacob Byk/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP) (CNN) — About 1,100 motorists were stranded in Colorado as a ferocious winter storm – a “bomb cyclone” – unleashed hurricane-force winds and blizzard conditions in parts of the central United States. “We are in full saving lives mode,” said Ryan Parsell, a spokesman for El Paso County, about the ongoing rescues. “This isn’t your average Colorado storm.” Snow is coming down and winds gusting to 30-40 mph at my house in Highlands North Denver #cowx pic.twitter.com/3W1N5opxWO — Minh Phan (@WXMinh) March 13, 2019 The weather has been so severe in the state that law enforcement officers had to abandon their vehicles and get shelter themselves instead of responding to the high volume of motor vehicle accidents, officials said. “We are at the point where we are rescuing rescuers out there,” said Elbert County Manager Sam Albrecht. On Wednesday, 100 vehicles were involved in an accident on Interstate 25 near Wellington, Colorado, according to Wellington Fire Protection. There were no fatalities, according to the fire department’s Facebook page, but there were injuries ranging from minor to serious and emergency responders came from both Colorado and Wyoming. In Weld County, north of Denver, State Patrol Cpl. Daniel Groves, 52, was struck by a car Wednesday morning while assisting a motorist whose car slid off Interstate 76, according to the state police. Groves, on the job since 2007, was declared dead at a hospital. Sound on for thunder snow ❄️! pic.twitter.com/UE7Vt8NvS1 — Hayley (@HayleyVatch) March 13, 2019 High speed in poor driving conditions was being investigated as a possible factor, the patrol said. No charges had been filed. The storm morphed into a “bomb cyclone” Wednesday and roared through Colorado on its way to the Great Plains and parts of the Midwest. A bomb cyclone happens when there’s a rapid pressure drop, with a decrease of at least 24 millibars (which measures atmospheric pressure) over 24 hours known as bombogenesis. This storm has dropped 33 millibars since Tuesday morning and continues to strengthen. Hurricane-force winds The storm is bringing hurricane winds to the Rockies and as far away as Amarillo, Texas. Winds gusts equivalent to Category 1 and 2 hurricane winds were reported at the Denver International Airport and in Colorado Springs, the National Weather Service. In New Mexico, heavy winds contributed to the derailment of a 26-car train near the village of Logan, according to a tweet from state police. No injuries were reported. State Police on scene of a #trainderailment on SR 469 near Logan, NM involving 26 rail cars. No injuries reported. Wind was contributing factor in crash. pic.twitter.com/Qp6pzr0ee1 — NMSP (@NMStatePolice) March 13, 2019 Storm has left thousands in the dark In Colorado, at least 184,000 Xcel Energy customers were affected by weather-related power outages, company spokeswoman Michelle Aguayo said. Nearly 5,000 people with other utility companies were also without power, officials said.<doc-sep>Some people are wondering if we're looking at bomb cyclone 2.0 this week. There are some discrepancies between the two. Strong winds and rapid intensification are reasons this week's snow storm is similar to the 'bomb cyclone' that slammed into Colorado last month. But there are differences, too. The Denver metro area and Eastern Plains are expected to see blizzard conditions Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday. Rain showers will start Wednesday morning, then transition to snow throughout the afternoon. Winds will be gusting near 50-60 mph, making for reduced visibility at times. This has a lot of people wondering if we're in for "Bomb Cyclone 2.0." Below we lay out what's similar — and what's different — between the two storms. SIMILARITIES Strong winds: Wind gusts could reach up to 51 mph in some parts of the state. Wind was also strong during the March 2019 blizzard. Rapid intensification: That's what started the whole "bomb cyclone" excitement with a storm that rapidly became not just strong, but record breaking, very quickly. This storm will also intensify very quickly, and there are some parts of Colorado that could hit that "bombogenesis" threshold of 24 mb in 24 hours, but in general, it's not looking quite as strong. DIFFERENCES Storm track: March's storm essentially originated in Colorado as it rapidly intensified and then moved off into the midwest. In general, the moisture came from the southwest. This time, the storm is coming from the Pacific Northwest. The temperatures the day before: The day before the March 13 "bomb cyclone" blizzard was warm for March, reaching 60 degrees. The temperatures leading up to Wednesday's storm are quite a bit warmer. We've seen temperatures in the 70s and even near 80 degrees for several days. That means the ground is a lot warmer this time around, which should allow for more melting on paved roads. Travel will still be difficult, especially over eastern Colorado, but we'll take any extra melting we can get.<doc-sep>
DENVER (CBS4) – A powerful storm system heading for Colorado will bring rain, snow, and extremely fierce winds on Wednesday. We will start off with some rain late on Tuesday night in Denver, and that will quickly turn over to snow in the morning. This could mean another nasty commute to work, and the drive home won’t be great either. The storm is being called a “bomb cyclone” because the pressure in the center of the storm will drop fast as it races toward Colorado. It could be historic in terms of the minimum pressure ever measured in our region of the country. In other words, this storm is an aberration which is part of the reason we have a laundry list of weather watches, warnings, and advisories around the state. RELATED: Flights Starting To Be Canceled Out Of DIA On Wednesday | Blizzard Warning Leads To Colorado School Closures | ‘Bomb Cyclone’ May Cause Migraines, Aches, Pains, Even Early Labor Almost everyone east of I-25 in Colorado is under a Blizzard Warning starting at 10am Wednesday. The warning includes the east half of the Denver metro area for at least 5 to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow and wind gusts to 60 mph causing near zero visibility. Farther east snow totals could reach a foot and will combine with wind gusts up to 75 mph causing travel to become impossible in many areas. The Colorado Springs area is also under a Blizzard Warning but snow total should be no higher than 4 inches. In the mountains, plan on winter driving conditions and possible road closures through Thursday morning with 10-20 inches of snow for the mountains of Summit County and the Winter Park area. Farther west amounts will range from 10 to 16 inches for the mountains west of Vail Pass. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado will see at least another 12 to 24 inches of snow through Wednesday night. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains will see 10 to 20 inches and are under a Avalanche Warning through Thursday morning. In southeast Colorado, most of the precipitation will be rain instead of snow. But these areas will be closest to the storm, wind will extremely fierce at times. Locations such as Lamar, La Junta, Burlington, and Springfield are under a High Wind Warning from noon Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday for gusts up to 75 mph. Most of the snow will die down on Wednesday, late night. However, there will still be some light snow possible on Thursday morning. The snow will end by early Thursday morning leaving windy and cold weather for Thursday afternoon. We’ll have another bitter night on Thursday into Friday. Somewhat warmer weather will arrive on Friday before a more significant warm up just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.