In brief
The Northwest US is preparing for a bomb cyclone, which is expected to cause severe weather from strong winds to heavy snowfall, affecting over seven million residents across the region.
The Pacific Northwest is gearing up for a powerful bomb cyclone, a dramatic storm expected to unleash a mix of rain, snow, and fierce winds across multiple states. Starting Tuesday, this weather system is predicted to worsen throughout the week, with more than seven million people in its path according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This bomb cyclone results from a rapid drop in air pressure off the coast, leading to its swift intensification. The storm has already begun to show its effects, particularly in the Seattle area where residents are experiencing strong wind gusts. The NOAA anticipates heavy, wet snow in mountain ranges at rates of 2-3 inches per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph (29 mps). Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate, leading to potential whiteout situations and snow accumulation of 10-20 inches in certain areas.Concerns over power outages, fallen trees, and dangerous surf along the coast have prompted the issuance of a "high risk excessive rainfall outlook" for northwest California. Northern California and southwest Oregon are slated to experience the heaviest rainfall, raising the risk of mudslides.Additionally, with winter weather alerts in effect, regions along the Pacific coast are advised to prepare for flash floods and hazardous travel conditions as the bomb cyclone hits its peak intensity. Meteorologists define a bomb cyclone as a storm producing a significant drop in air pressure within a short timeframe, which leads to explosive weather conditions. Although common for this time of year, the fusion of a bomb cyclone with atmospheric river conditions, where moisture-laden air moves across non-tropical areas, can lead to especially severe weather events.
