Bomb cyclone 2024/ Pacific Northwest storm/ severe weather alerts/ power outages Washington/ Cascades blizzard warnings/ SEATTLE / Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful bomb cyclone swept through the Pacific Northwest, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and snow. The storm caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and at least one fatality in Washington State. Severe weather warnings remain in effect, with flooding, rockslides, and blizzard conditions predicted through Friday.
Northwest Bomb Cyclone: Quick Looks
- Fatalities: A falling tree killed a woman in Lynnwood, WA.
- Power Outages: Nearly 600,000 homes lost power in Washington; outages also hit Oregon and California.
- Extreme Weather: Hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and blizzards expected to intensify through Friday.
- Storm Impact: Flash flooding, rockslides, and near-impossible mountain travel predicted.
- Safety Alerts: Authorities urge residents to stay indoors and avoid exterior rooms during high winds.
Deadly Bomb Cyclone Brings Destructive Winds, Rain & Snow to Pacific NW
Deep Look
A devastating bomb cyclone hammered the Pacific Northwest starting Tuesday, unleashing hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and heavy snow. The storm caused widespread destruction, including power outages for hundreds of thousands and at least one fatality in Washington State.
What is a Bomb Cyclone?
A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm rapidly intensifies, dropping atmospheric pressure by at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. This weather system brought an intense atmospheric river—a plume of concentrated moisture—that overwhelmed the region, dumping heavy rain and snow while driving strong winds.
Storm Damage and Fatalities
In Lynnwood, WA, a woman lost her life when a tree collapsed on a homeless encampment, according to South County Fire. In nearby Issaquah, a 70-year-old tree smashed through Wendy Harrington’s home, shaking her walls. “It felt explosive, like a bomb going off,” she said.
Trees fell across roads, homes, and vehicles throughout the region, causing significant damage and blocking thoroughfares. In Seattle, one person was briefly trapped in a car when a tree fell on it. The individual was later reported in stable condition.
Widespread Power Outages
Power outages swept across Washington State, with nearly 600,000 homes affected early Wednesday, according to poweroutage.us. Oregon reported over 3,000 outages, while northern California saw more than 15,000 without power.
Authorities warned residents to stay indoors and away from windows, citing the danger of falling trees. “If you can, go to the lowest floor and stay away from windows,” urged Bellevue’s fire department.
Hurricane-Force Winds and Heavy Rain
The storm brought staggering wind speeds, including:
- Vancouver Island, Canada: Gusts up to 101 mph.
- Oregon Coast: Winds peaking at 79 mph.
- Mount Rainier, WA: Recorded speeds of 77 mph.
Heavy rain pounded the region, with 12 to 16 inches forecast for northern California and southern Oregon by Friday. Flash flooding, rockslides, and debris flows are expected in vulnerable areas, including the San Francisco Bay Area, North Coast, and Sacramento Valley.
Blizzard Warnings and Mountain Travel
Snowfall in higher elevations added another layer of danger, with accumulation rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour in parts of the Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada. Blizzard warnings were issued for Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park and other mountain areas, with forecasters predicting near-impossible travel conditions due to heavy snow and wind gusts up to 75 mph.
Safety Measures and Forecast
Residents across the Pacific Northwest are urged to take precautions as the storm intensifies:
- Stay Indoors: Avoid exterior rooms and windows during high winds.
- Avoid Travel: Mountain passes may be impassable due to snow and whiteout conditions.
- Be Prepared: Keep emergency supplies on hand for power outages and flooding.
The storm’s impact is expected to peak Thursday, with excessive rainfall risks and severe weather warnings extending into Friday evening.
Looking Ahead
As the region braces for continued severe weather, emergency crews are working to restore power and clear debris. The bomb cyclone highlights the destructive potential of rapid storm intensification and the challenges posed by extreme weather in vulnerable areas.
