A rare and powerful bomb cyclone slammed the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. With hurricane-force winds and torrential rains, the storm caused at least one fatality, massive power outages, and severe property damage across the region.
One Fatality and Power Outages
In Washington state, a woman in her 50s tragically lost her life when a falling tree struck a homeless encampment in Lynnwood. The storm left over 650,000 residents in Washington and 140,000 in British Columbia without power, while Northern California saw 24,000 outages. Emergency services scrambled to respond to downed power lines, fallen trees, and blocked roads.
Fierce Winds and Heavy Rain
The storm packed winds of up to 101 mph off British Columbia coast and gusts of 72-77 mph across Washington, including areas like Cape Elizabeth and Mount Rainier. Communities like Maple Valley witnessed trees crashing onto homes, requiring swift rescues. In one incident, firefighters freed two individuals trapped in a trailer crushed by a tree.
An Amtrak train near Stanwood collided with a fallen tree, rendering it inoperable. Thankfully, all 47 passengers escaped injury. Schools in western Washington and Oregon closed or delayed operations due to the storm’s impact.
A Meteorological Phenomenon
This “once-in-a-decade” bomb cyclone resulted from a phenomenon known as “bombogenesis,” where a storm intensifies rapidly. The system combined with an atmospheric river—a massive plume of water vapor—to unleash heavy rains and feet of snow. This combination is wreaking havoc from Northern California to Washington.
Rainfall of up to 16 inches is forecast for parts of northwestern California, enough to cause severe urban flooding and landslides. A rare level 4 flood risk—the highest possible—was issued for Thursday, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic damage.
Blizzard Conditions in Higher Elevations
The mountains are bearing the brunt of the storm, with the Washington Cascades and Sierra Nevada regions under blizzard warnings. Snowfall totals of one to four feet, combined with winds of up to 60 mph, are making travel hazardous. Interstate 5 and several major highways face closures due to dangerous conditions.
A Lingering Threat
While peak wind speeds are expected to decrease by midweek, the storm will continue to bring rain and snow through the weekend. Experts warn of prolonged risks, including landslides, flooding, and power outages, as the region slowly recovers.
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and follow emergency guidelines. Efforts to restore power and clear debris are underway, but officials caution that the recovery process may take time.
This bomb cyclone serves as a grim reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather.
