A devastating storm, classified as a “bomb cyclone,” has battered the northwest United States, causing significant disruptions and claiming at least one life. The powerful weather system brought intense winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread destruction, leaving over half a million people without power.
What is a Bomb Cyclone?
A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm intensifies rapidly, experiencing a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure. This particular storm, which began on Tuesday, is fueled by the strongest atmospheric river of the season, a concentrated plume of moisture impacting California and the Pacific Northwest. The Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for hurricane-force winds and excessive rainfall, cautioning residents to stay prepared.
Fatalities and Damage in Washington State
Washington State bore the brunt of the storm’s wrath. In Lynnwood, a woman tragically lost her life when a large tree collapsed onto a homeless encampment, according to South County Fire. In Seattle, another falling tree pinned a person inside their vehicle, though the individual was later rescued and reported to be in stable condition.
The storm’s ferocity also struck residential areas. Wendy Harrington, a homeowner in Issaquah, recounted the terrifying moment a 70-year-old tree toppled onto her house. “It felt explosive, like a bomb going off,” she said.
Power Outages Across the Region
As of early Wednesday, poweroutage.us reported over 600,000 homes without electricity in Washington State. Fluctuating outage numbers were attributed to technical difficulties, including internet disruptions that hampered accurate reporting. Oregon and California also experienced outages, with more than 8,000 and 24,000 customers respectively left without power.
High Winds and Severe Weather Alerts
The storm’s peak wind speeds were recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island, with gusts reaching 101 mph (163 kph). Along the Oregon coast, winds hit 79 mph (127 kph), while Mount Rainier in Washington experienced speeds of 77 mph (124 kph). In Bellevue, Washington, authorities warned residents of the dangers posed by falling trees, urging them to remain indoors and away from windows.
Flooding and Snowfall in California and Oregon
Northern California faced flood and high wind watches, with up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain expected in areas like the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento Valley. The National Weather Service warned of flash flooding, rockslides, and debris flows. The Sierra Nevada was placed under a winter storm watch, forecasting 15 inches (38 centimeters) of snow and wind gusts exceeding 75 mph (120 kph).
In Oregon, a flood watch was issued for southwestern areas, while strong winds and rough seas disrupted ferry routes between Port Townsend and Coupeville in Washington.
Blizzard Warnings and Travel Disruptions
A blizzard warning was declared for the Cascades in Washington, including Mount Rainier National Park. Forecasters predict up to a foot of snow and gusts as high as 60 mph (97 kph), making travel through mountain passes hazardous and potentially impossible.
Safety Precautions and Emergency Response
The National Weather Service continues to emphasize the importance of safety during high winds, urging residents to avoid exterior rooms, stay clear of windows, and exercise caution when driving. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to manage the fallout from this extreme weather event.
Conclusion
The bomb cyclone underscores the unpredictable and destructive power of nature, leaving communities across the northwest U.S. grappling with its aftermath. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as weather conditions evolve, with emergency updates and safety precautions readily available through official channels.