Bomb Cyclone Hits the Northwest Hard with Fatalities and Half a Million Without Power

by | Nov 20, 2024 | News, Weather

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A powerful storm system swept across the northwestern United States, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruptions. Dubbed a "bomb cyclone" due to its rapid intensification, the storm caused power outages across multiple states, downed trees, and resulted in at least two fatalities.

A bomb cyclone is a term used to describe a rapidly intensifying storm that undergoes "bombogenesis." This phenomenon occurs when a cyclone's central pressure drops by at least 24 millibars within 24 hours, signifying a powerful and sudden strengthening of the storm system. The name reflects the explosive nature of the intensification, which often leads to extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds and heavy precipitation, as seen in the recent Northwest storm.

Severe Weather Impacts

The storm, which began Tuesday, brought hurricane-force wind warnings and excessive rainfall alerts to the Pacific Northwest and California. The Weather Prediction Center described it as the strongest atmospheric river of the season for the region, with widespread flooding, rock slides, and debris flows reported. Rainfall totals in parts of northern California and the central coast were expected to exceed 10 inches (25 cm).

In the northern Sierra Nevada, up to 15 inches (38 cm) of snow was forecast, with gusts in mountain areas reaching 75 mph (120 kph). Similarly, the Cascades experienced heavy, wet snow and blizzard-like conditions, making travel across passes nearly impossible.

Fatalities and Property Damage

Falling trees caused significant damage in Washington state. In Lynnwood, a woman lost her life when a tree fell on a homeless encampment, and in Bellevue, another woman died when a tree crashed onto her home. Both incidents occurred Tuesday night as the storm intensified.

In Issaquah, Washington, strong winds left roads covered in debris, resembling a forest floor. Power lines were downed, leaving neighborhoods in the dark. At the storm's peak, over 530,000 homes and businesses in Washington were without electricity. Thousands more in Oregon and California faced similar outages.

“Trees are coming down all over the city & falling onto homes,” the Bellevue fire department posted on X on Tuesday night. “If you can, go to the lowest floor and stay away from windows. Do not go outside if you can avoid it.”

Transportation and Travel Disruptions

The storm also disrupted travel, with Southbound Interstate 5 closed for an 11-mile stretch near Ashland, Oregon, due to severe winter weather. Ferry services in northwestern Washington were halted, and travel advisories warned of hazardous conditions in mountain regions, including Mount Rainier National Park.

Midwest and Plains Affected

The storm extended its reach to the Dakotas and Minnesota, where early-season snow created treacherous road conditions. Up to 16 inches (40 cm) of snow was forecast in parts of North Dakota, and northern Minnesota reported multiple accidents due to icy roads. Strong winds in Montana and Nebraska further compounded the challenges.

Authorities Issue Safety Warnings

Officials across the impacted regions urged residents to stay indoors, avoid exterior rooms during high winds, and exercise caution while driving. Flood watches, blizzard warnings, and wind advisories remained in effect as the storm continued to move through the region.

The bomb cyclone's devastating effects underscore the importance of preparation and caution during extreme weather events. As recovery efforts begin, residents and authorities face the challenge of rebuilding and restoring services in the wake of the storm's destruction.


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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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