What is 'bomb cyclone' looming over California and Pacific north-west
A "bomb cyclone," a powerful storm system, is currently battering the West Coast of the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes this phenomenon as a rapidly intensifying cyclone that forms when cold and warm air masses collide, usually over ocean waters. It's characterized by a swift drop in atmospheric pressure, measured in millibars; if the pressure falls 24 millibars or more within 24 hours, it's classified as a bomb cyclone.
Current 'bomb cyclone' brings severe weather to US west coast
The ongoing storm intensified quickly enough to be classified as a bomb cyclone, with forecasts predicting an extreme drop of 50 to 60 millibars in under a day. The storm is accompanied by an atmospheric river, a long plume of moisture from the tropics, expected to bring over eight trillion gallons of rain to California. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued excessive rainfall risks and high wind watches for northern California and the Pacific Northwest through Friday.
'Bomb cyclone' causes widespread damage in Washington
The storm has already wreaked havoc across northwest Washington, where strong winds and rain have resulted in widespread power outages and downed trees. Over 600,000 homes in Washington State were reported without power early Wednesday. A woman died in Lynnwood, Washington, when a tree fell on a homeless encampment. In Seattle, another tree fell onto a vehicle, trapping an individual who was later reported stable.
High winds and heavy rainfall predicted in California
Wind gusts reached as high as 163km/h off Vancouver Island's coast and 127km/h along the Oregon coast. The NWS warned residents of the dangers of falling trees during high winds. In northern California, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley could see up to eight inches of rain. A winter storm watch is in effect for the northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet, with up to 15-inch of snow expected over two days.
Travel conditions hazardous due to 'bomb cyclone'
Travel is expected to be hazardous across affected regions due to possible flash flooding and snow accumulation. Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions during this extreme weather event. Bomb cyclones can occur in several parts of the world's oceans, including Northwest Pacific and North Atlantic. They have been linked to major weather events all over the country in recent years, such as Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Florida last month as a Category 3 hurricane.
