October 2017 North American storm complex

October 2017 North American storm complex

GOES-16 satellite imagery of the bomb cyclone impacting the Northeastern United States on October 29
Type	Extratropical cyclone Winter storm Bomb cyclone Flood
Formed	October 29, 2017
Dissipated	October 31, 2017
Highest gust	93 mph (150 km/h) at Popponesset Beach, Massachusetts[1]
Lowest pressure	975 mb (28.79 inHg)
Maximum snowfall or ice accretion	8.4 in (21 cm) in Davis, West Virginia[2]
Maximum rainfall	4.33 in (11.0 cm) at Danbury, Connecticut[1]
Fatalities	None reported
Damage	> $100 million (2017 USD)[3]
Power outages	> 1,300,000[1]
Areas affected	Mid-Atlantic states, Northeastern United States, Eastern Canada
Part of the 2017–18 North American winter

The October 2017 North American storm complex was a major explosive cyclogenesis storm, also called bomb, in the Northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada from October 29–31, 2017. Forming from an extratropical cyclone on October 29 the system moved rapidly up the East Coast of the United States, bombing out with a minimum pressure of 975 millibars (28.8 inHg) on October 30. It brought heavy rain and extremely strong winds, and power outages, over 1.3 million customers being without power in the Northeast. Hurricane-force wind gusts resulted in downed trees, power lines, and widespread damage to buildings. The number of power outages in the state of Maine surpassed the Ice Storm of 1998.^[1]

Meteorological history[]

30-hour surface analysis loop of the system

On October 29, an extratropical cyclone powered partially by leftover moisture from Tropical Storm Philippe moved northeast over South Florida and began to move up the U.S. East Coast. The moisture from the system soon began to feed into a cold front, resulting in rapid intensification of the low pressure as it moved up the coast.^[4] On October 30, the storm underwent explosive cyclogenesis, deepening from 1,005 millibars (29.7 inHg) to a peak intensity of 975 millibars (28.8 inHg) over New England. After maintaining its intensity for some time, it then began to rapidly weaken, before dissipating on October 31.^[5]

Preparations and impact[]

Mid-Atlantic states[]

Tropical storm-force wind gusts affected much of the Mid-Atlantic, and rainfall totals of 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) were recorded in interior areas. Wind gusts of 40–60 mph (64–97 km/h) were reported along the coast. Downed trees and power lines were reported as a result of the storm in the Washington, D.C. area as well.^[1]

New England[]

In Maine, over 400,000 power outages were reported, some lasting over a week. Surpassing the Ice Storm of 1998, the storm became the largest weather-related power outage event in Maine history. There was widespread tree damage across the state, and some roads in coastal regions of the state were impassable for over a week.^[4]

In New Hampshire, nearly 300,000 power outages were reported, and the storm was the fourth-largest power outage in New Hampshire history. Numerous roads throughout the state were closed by washouts from heavy rain or from fallen trees, slowing initial damage assessment response.^[6]

In Vermont, a wind gust of 63 mph (101 km/h) was recorded at the Burlington International Airport. Approximately 50,000 customers lost power in the state, and most had power restored within the next five days. Many schools were closed throughout the state, and the state's largest utility reported that over 500 field crews were restoring power on October 30.^[7]

Eastern Canada[]

Heavy rain fell in Quebec and Ontario, resulting in power outages and travel problems. The Ottawa area recorded up to 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain on October 30.^[1]

See also[]

• Tropical Storm Philippe
• Ice Storm of 1998
• November 2009 nor'easter
• April 12–13, 2020 nor'easter

References[]

External links[]

• Archive of Storm Summaries from the Weather Prediction Center