‘Bomb Cyclone’ Brings High Winds and Soaking Rain to U.S. Northwest
One of the strongest storms in decades has battered the northwest U.S., arriving on Tuesday evening and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The powerful system, known as a “bomb cyclone,” brought high winds and torrential rain, knocking out power and downing trees across the region.
The Weather Prediction Center issued excessive rainfall risks as the strongest atmospheric river that California and the Pacific Northwest has seen this season bore down on the area. A bomb cyclone occurs when a cyclone intensifies rapidly, dropping at least 24 millibars over 24 hours, leading to severe weather conditions.
Communities from south of Portland, Oregon, to the north of the San Francisco Bay Area braced for the severe rainfall and high winds. The storm’s impact was felt across a wide swath, with emergency services responding to numerous incidents caused by the extreme weather.
“This is an unprecedented event for this time of year,” said a spokesperson from the National Weather Service. “Residents should take caution and stay informed about local weather updates.”
The atmospheric river—a flowing column of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere—has the potential to bring significant flooding, especially in areas already saturated from previous rainfall. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for possible evacuations and to avoid unnecessary travel.
Utility companies are working to restore power to affected areas, but ongoing hazardous conditions are complicating efforts. Transportation departments have also reported closures and delays due to the storm.
The severe weather is expected to continue through the week, with meteorologists monitoring the storm’s progression closely. Residents are encouraged to stay connected with local news outlets and official channels for the latest updates.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
