What's a Weather Bomb and Should You Worry About It?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A weather bomb, or bombogenesis to use its official meteorological name, sounds dramatic, and the storms it describes usually live up to the name. It refers to a storm system that intensifies extremely rapidly, with central pressure dropping at least 24 millibars within 24 hours.

That rapid pressure drop translates into a storm gaining strength fast, often producing much stronger winds, heavier precipitation, and more dangerous conditions than a typical storm system that intensifies gradually over several days. In winter, a weather bomb affecting the Great Lakes region can bring a combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and even blizzard conditions with less advance warning than a slower-developing system.

The speed of intensification is what makes these storms worth paying attention to. A forecast that looked fairly ordinary a day or two out can shift quickly once a system starts undergoing bombogenesis, catching people off guard if they were not tracking the storm closely.

Not every weather bomb hits London directly, and the term gets used for storms across a wide geographic range, including ones well out over the ocean that never affect Ontario at all. When one is forecast to track toward the Great Lakes, though, it is worth treating the forecast with extra attention and expecting conditions to potentially worsen faster than usual.

Why Fast-Strengthening Storms Matter

When a storm deepens quickly, snowfall rates, wind and temperature swings all tend to increase at the same time. That combination is what makes these storms hard to clear: snow falls faster than a single pass can keep up with, wind drifts it back across driveways, and a temperature drop afterward can lock slush into ice.

Getting Your Property Ready

Before a big storm, move cars off the driveway if you can, bring in or secure garbage and recycling bins, and make sure the edges of the driveway and walkways are marked so they can be found under deep snow. Keep a shovel and a bag of ice melt inside the door for the steps. If you have pets, a pet-safe de-icer is a good choice for the spots they use.

What Happens to Service During a Big Storm

Snow removal visits start once snowfall reaches the trigger depth. For Thames Valley Snow residential plans, that trigger is 5 cm. In a long or intense storm, crews clear as conditions allow and may return after the snow stops so the final layer and the City windrow at the end of the driveway are dealt with.

After the Storm: Watch for Ice

The biggest risk often comes the day after, when melting and refreezing turn packed snow into ice. Salt helps most on that refreeze. Salt is available as a $175 seasonal add-on, and seasonal salt covers freezing rain and refreeze visits.

Stay Safe While You Wait

During a strong storm, the safest choice is usually to stay off the roads until main routes are cleared. Keep phones charged, have flashlights and batteries ready in case of a power outage, and check on neighbours who may need help. Avoid heavy shovelling if you are not used to it. Wet, heavy snow is hard on the back and heart, and it is often better to clear in short sessions or wait for your scheduled visit. If you have a furnace or dryer vent near ground level, keep it clear of drifting snow.

FAQ

Does a weather bomb always mean heavy snow?

Not always. It describes how fast a storm strengthens. Depending on temperature, it can bring heavy snow, freezing rain, rain or strong wind.

Do I need to call for service during a storm?

Seasonal customers do not. Visits start automatically once the 5 cm trigger is reached.

Want a fixed price for your property? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about residential snow removal and more winter guides.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.