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A severe winter storm is hitting eastern North America, extending a cold snap that has already claimed 11 lives.
Forecasters say a severe pressure drop has led to an explosive winter storm along the eastern US, and has already brought snow to Florida.
The US is currently on its 11th day of record-breaking frigid temperatures which began around Christmas.
But the predicted new storm has led meteorologists to deploy a new term - bomb cyclone.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ice and snow cover branches near the brink of Niagara Falls The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that "Arctic air mass will remain entrenched over the eastern two thirds of the country through the end of the week".
"Very cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills expected," the NWS added.
What is a 'bomb cyclone'?
A "bomb cyclone" or "weather bomb" is an unofficial term for what is known as explosive cyclogenesis, according to BBC Weather.
This occurs when the central pressure of a low pressure system falls by 24 millibars in 24 hours and can result in violent winds developing around the system.
The winds can be strong enough to bring down trees and cause structural damage.
Forecasters say a severe pressure drop has led to an explosive winter storm along the eastern US, and has already brought snow to Florida.
The US is currently on its 11th day of record-breaking frigid temperatures which began around Christmas.
But the predicted new storm has led meteorologists to deploy a new term - bomb cyclone.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ice and snow cover branches near the brink of Niagara Falls The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that "Arctic air mass will remain entrenched over the eastern two thirds of the country through the end of the week".
"Very cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills expected," the NWS added.
What is a 'bomb cyclone'?
A "bomb cyclone" or "weather bomb" is an unofficial term for what is known as explosive cyclogenesis, according to BBC Weather.
This occurs when the central pressure of a low pressure system falls by 24 millibars in 24 hours and can result in violent winds developing around the system.
The winds can be strong enough to bring down trees and cause structural damage.