Great Lakes Unleash ’30-Year Storm’ Waves Thanks to Bomb Cyclone

A powerful "Bomb Cyclone" recently swept across parts of the United States, bringing with it extreme weather and, unexpectedly, massive waves to the Great Lakes. This rare meteorological event, characterized by a rapidly intensifying storm, created conditions for what novelty wave rider Ben Gravy described as the "swell of a lifetime" on the freshwater bodies.

Key Takeaways

• A "Bomb Cyclone" fueled exceptionally large waves on the Great Lakes.
• Surfer Ben Gravy seized the opportunity to ride what he called the "swell of a lifetime."
• Such significant swells on the Great Lakes are infrequent occurrences.

The Science Behind the Swell

The term "Bomb Cyclone" refers to bombogenesis, a meteorological phenomenon where a storm’s atmospheric pressure drops rapidly. This typically occurs when cold air masses collide with warm air masses, leading to rapid intensification. While often associated with heavy snow and strong winds, this particular storm generated powerful wave action on the Great Lakes.

A Surfer’s Perspective

Despite facing travel delays due to the severe weather, surfer Ben Gravy and his crew managed to reach the Great Lakes, anticipating what forecasts suggested could be some of the largest waves seen on the lakes in years. While the waves may not have reached the extreme heights of 30 feet reported by some news outlets, Gravy emphasized the rarity and special nature of surfing such conditions on a freshwater lake. He described the experience as scoring the "30 year storm," highlighting that epic Great Lakes swells are not an everyday, or even yearly, occurrence.

A Rare Phenomenon

This event follows a recent trend of unusually large surf being observed on the Great Lakes. Prior to the Bomb Cyclone, the Midwest’s massive freshwater bodies have churned out impressive waves, offering unique surfing opportunities. However, successfully catching these Great Lakes waves requires significant commitment and an understanding of their unpredictable nature.

Sources

• Bomb Cyclone ’30 Year Storm’ Creates Pumping Surf on The Great Lakes (Video), SURFER Magazine.