A powerful “bomb cyclone” is wreaking havoc along the West Coast of the United States, unleashing torrential rainfall, hurricane-strength winds, and heavy mountain snow across California and the Pacific Northwest. Meteorologists have described the storm as one of the most intense low-pressure systems to hit the region in recent history.
A “bomb cyclone” refers to a rapidly intensifying storm caused by a process called “bombogenesis.” This occurs when a storm’s central pressure drops by at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. The current system is so extreme that meteorologists believe it could reach “triple-bomb” status, meaning it surpasses the traditional threshold for explosive cyclonic development.
As the #BombCyclone churns off the Pacific Northwest coast, the atmospheric river to the south unfurls into a firehose, dousing Northern California and Oregon with non-stop precipitation. pic.twitter.com/NBq8g7h1tS
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) November 20, 2024
Satellite imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) GOES-West satellite has captured dramatic views of the storm as it intensifies offshore.
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Here’s a look at the cyclone that’s rapidly deepening off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. #CAwx
Weather nerd note: As of the 18Z analysis by the @NWSOPC, the low has dropped 56 mb in 18 hours with a central pressure of 955 mb. pic.twitter.com/gUcy21BPfS
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) November 19, 2024
The storm has brought extraordinary rains to parts of California, Oregon and Washington . Some areas are bracing for up to 16 inches of rain within just 48 hours – an amount exceeding an entire month’s typical rainfall. In higher elevations, heavy snow is blanketing the mountains, creating dangerous travel conditions.
Here are the latest Key Messages for the ongoing Atmospheric River event affecting parts of the Northwest. pic.twitter.com/oj5GYqjuHs
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) November 20, 2024
The cyclone’s strong winds, heavy rain, and snow have caused widespread damage across the region. Roads have been washed out, cars and buildings damaged, and utility lines knocked down, leaving over 5,00,000 homes without power. Tragically, two fatalities have been reported due to the extreme weather.
This massive tree fell on top of a @KingCountyMetro bus on 35th Ave NE. The bus driver is okay but shaken up. There were no passengers on board. #bombcyclone @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/JgXVIEaNHr
— Madison Wade (@madisoncwade) November 20, 2024
Bomb Cyclone Chaos in Bellevue! 🌪️ Trees crashing onto powerlines—residents left in the dark! More damage expected. 😳
Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel #SEATTLESUBMISSIONS pic.twitter.com/qbkynnpW4w
— SEATTLESUBMISSIONS (@SEATTLESUBMISS) November 20, 2024
Damage aplenty across Bellevue after Tuesday night’s bomb cyclone blew through Western Washington. @seattletimes pic.twitter.com/qHZap1hucc
— Nick Wagner (@WagsPhoto) November 20, 2024
Two giant trees in Anderson Park in Redmond, WA fell during last night’s “bomb cyclone” wind storm in Seattle, crushing a car and taking down a major power line. pic.twitter.com/HArOAmKcko
— James McDaniel (@JamesMcDaniel) November 20, 2024
Holy shit it’s bad outside. Went out to check on things while the rain stopped. Now the winds shifted and got stronger. #WashingtonState #BombCyclone #seattleweather #pnwweather pic.twitter.com/NqNAuYLg3m
— Wolf Bandit 🇺🇸🐺 (@WolfBandit84) November 20, 2024
Social media is awash with photos and videos showcasing the cyclone’s devastating impact, from toppled trees and flooded neighborhoods to collapsed infrastructure.
Meteorologists warn that the storm is not yet over. The cyclone is expected to continue delivering severe weather through the next few days, with persistent rains increasing the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
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(Image: X@NWSBayArea)