‘Bomb cyclone’ storm with strong winds batters central US

The National Weather Service (NWS) on Wednesday warned that a “historic” high-powered storm is battering the central portion of the United States as hundreds of flights have been canceled because of a bomb cyclone.

“A historic March blizzard is taking shape across Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota,” the NWS tweeted. “Between 1 and 2 feet of snow is expected in some locations with wind gusts as high as 80 MPH. DO NOT TRAVEL if you live in these areas!” 

A historic March blizzard is taking shape across Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Between 1 and 2 feet of snow is expected in some locations with wind gusts as high as 80 MPH. DO NOT TRAVEL if you live in these areas! https://t.co/VyWINDk3xP pic.twitter.com/TG0rEQCise

— NWS (@NWS) March 13, 2019

{mosads}The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association said the storm is a “bombogenesis,” or bomb cyclone, which is characterized by powerful winds, rain and blizzards. The storm pattern is known for rapidly gaining in intensity.

The NWS released a flood warning in Nebraska on Wednesday morning, saying rain is expected throughout the day.

The Wahoo Police Department in Nebraska shared footage of the flooding and urged residents to avoid certain areas.

Wahoo Creek South of Wahoo. Plan for an alternate route soon. Turn around. Don’t drown. pic.twitter.com/M2K1e3m544

— Wahoo Police Department (@WahooPolice) March 13, 2019

Colorado is being hit particularly hard with blizzard conditions. The NWS warned residents to “cancel any travel plans Wednesday afternoon.”

Colorado Public Radio reported that the bomb cyclone could be the most intense storm ever recorded in the area.

Video shared by 9News Colorado meteorologist Cory Reppenhagen showed strong winds and snowfall. 

Blizzard Chasing is really easy. I already found it in the 9News parking lot #9wx #COwx pic.twitter.com/Gxq5r0kx5C

— Cory Reppenhagen (@CReppWx) March 13, 2019

In Texas, the local NWS reported winds of up to 80 mph.

“We received many reports of wind damage due to straight-line winds as a squall line tracked east early this morning. Some of the stronger wind gusts ranged from 65-80 MPH,” it tweeted.

We received many reports of wind damage due to straight-line winds as a squall line tracked east early this morning. Some of the stronger wind gusts ranged from 65-80 MPH, equivalent to an EF-0 or EF-1 tornado! #dfwwx #ctxwx #txwx #texomawx pic.twitter.com/AzXbUPzpbe

— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) March 13, 2019 

The storm has impacted air traffic in the affected states.

More than 1,200 flights to or from Denver International Airport have been canceled because of the storm, according to tracking site FlightAware.

191 flights to or from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport have been canceled so far.