The Way Past Blizzards Taught Us How to Drive

In December 2022, the United States was hit by a severe winter blizzard, Winter Storm Elliot. The storm brought subfreezing temperatures, copious amounts of snow, and other blizzard-like conditions that affected millions of people across the country. A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, accompanied the blizzard, intensifying the already dangerous weather conditions.
Many areas of the nation were under wind chill alerts, winter blizzard warnings, and watches. Strong winds and lethal colds accompanied the huge weather system, resulting in transportation mayhem and power outages in some areas.
The National Weather Service predicted that a potent arctic cold front would start pushing south across the middle Plains on Wednesday. By Thursday night, a developing low-pressure system intensified, deepening record-cold for the Gulf Coast and the Eastern U.S.
The dangers of bombogenesis were complex and varied depending on the location and pace of the snow storm. The ring of severe pressure created heavy winds, freezing rain, and heavy snow that restricted visibility. Heavy precipitation also created coastal flooding.

What We Know So Far About the Upcoming 2022 Blizzard

Winter Storm Elliot, the worst blizzard to hit the U.S. before Christmas in decades was predicted to have an impact on millions of people.

• Numerous areas of the nation were under wind chill alerts, winter blizzard warnings, and watches. Strong winds and perhaps lethal colds were predicted to accompany the huge weather system, along with a high probability of transport mayhem and potential power outages.
• The National Weather Service predicted that a potent arctic cold front were to start pushing south across the middle Plains on Wednesday.
• By Thursday night across eastern Michigan, a developing low-pressure system was expected to intensify, deepening record-cold for the Gulf Coast and the Eastern U.S. by Friday.
• In the United States, extreme weather was predicted to disrupt travel and eventually result in power disturbances.
• Some professionals predicted the 2022 December blizzard has the potential to turn into a Bomb Cyclone.

What is a Bomb Cyclone?

A snow storm that meets one crucial need and rapidly strengthens is known as a bomb cyclone. In most cases, the pressure must decrease by 24 millibars (a unit of pressure) in a 24-hour period. But that standard also takes the snow storm's latitude into account. Therefore, depending on where the snow storm forms, the millibar need may change.

The dangers of a bombogenesis can be complex and vary depending on the location and pace of the snow storm. The ring of severe pressure can create heavy winds, freezing rain, and heavy snow that can restrict visibility, as stated by the agency. Heavy precipitation might also create coastal flooding.

How to Prepare for the Blizzards

It's a good idea to have backup power sources available in case of blizzard, snowfall, or thunderstorm strikes that knock out the electricity so that you can continue to heat your home or run your refrigerator. 

How about using your vehicle as a power generator? Would it have enough power to run something other than a phone charger? You can indeed use your vehicle as a generator. An automobile can function as a generator in an emergency with a few quick and easy connections. 

An inverter is a piece of electrical equipment that transforms direct current (DC), like the power in an automobile, into alternating current (AC), the current utilized by the majority of appliances in your home. Your car can be rapidly converted into a generator by using a power inverter that is connected to either the battery or a 12V connector.

If this is not an issue for you and you just want to properly take care of your vehicle, check out the detailed guide on how to store your vehicle correctly.

Try Not to Travel, But Be Prepared If You Must!

This weather condition is no joke, the worst blizzard in decades, Winter Storm Elliot is meant to be taken seriously. But for some reason, if you must travel during extreme weather by car, make sure your car is winterized. Also we encourage our drivers to switch to ECO mode in order to keep full control of their vehicle. The fuel saving isn’t the only trick up ECO modes’ sleeve, it can provide a better grasp on the road due to the more controlled acceleration and perform the gripping action that keeps tires from slipping. You should also check out how to tend your car in winter conditions here.