**US Northwest Prepares for Devastating 'Bomb Cyclone' Storm**

Meteorologists warn of high winds, flooding, and heavy snowfall as a bomb cyclone develops off the Pacific coast, with significant disruptions expected through the week.

 

A severe storm, referred to as a 'bomb cyclone', is on a course to unleash a barrage of adverse weather across the US Northwest, affecting states such as Oregon and Washington. Starting Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports increasing intensity through the week's end, with significant implications for over seven million residents in the afflicted areas.

This bomb cyclone, characterized by a rapid drop in air pressure, is projected to bring not only strong winds and heavy precipitation but also flash flooding, rock slides, and hazardous mountain conditions. Residents in higher elevations should be particularly prepared for blizzards and heavy snowfall, with forecasters predicting accumulation rates of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) per hour.

Initial effects have already been felt in the Seattle area, where strong wind gusts were recorded. The NOAA warns of potential whiteout conditions, complicating travel in the region. Forecasts anticipate localized snowfall of 10-20 inches (25-50 cm), coupled with wind gusts up to 65 mph (29 mps), which could result in widespread power outages and fallen trees along the coast.

Northern California and southwest Oregon are bracing for the heaviest rainfall, which carries the risk of mudslides, particularly pronounced under a “high risk excessive rainfall outlook” issued by NOAA. The National Weather Service has also rolled out winter weather alerts and storm warnings across multiple locations on the Pacific coast, advising residents to expect numerous flash floods, travel hazards, and infrastructure damage as the storm intensifies.

The term “bomb cyclone” describes storms that tighten their grip on regions dramatically, featuring air pressure decreases of at least 24 millibars within a 24-hour timeframe. The meteorological phenomenon produces a mix of severe weather conditions ranging from blizzards to thunderstorms.

With the arrival of this potent storm, forecasters like BBC's Helen Rossington note that the Pacific Northwest will first experience strong winds and rain before it faces a prolonged period of heavy rain, snow, and flooding risks. Although similar atmospheric conditions have been noted recently across North America, the combination of an atmospheric river and this bomb cyclone marks a significant weather event for the region.