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Western States Brace for Powerful Atmospheric River and Potential Bomb Cyclone

Climate and Weather

Western States, bomb cyclone, sneaker waves, high winds

Business Honor
27 November, 2024

Pacific Northwest and Northern California to face heavy rainfall, snow, strong winds, and flood risks starting Tuesday.

The Western United States is bracing for a significant atmospheric river event that is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding through the week. The storm, which is intensifying into what’s known as a "bomb cyclone," will bring as much as 20 inches of rain to coastal mountains, with the possibility of up to 6 inches of rain in lower elevations.

Heavy rain is expected for the Pacific Northwest region, including parts of Oregon and Washington. This could enhance the risk of flooding and potentially increase landslide chances, especially for areas recently scarred by wildfires. Snowfall is also expected in the Cascade and Klamath mountains, where some areas will receive multiple feet.

Strong winds will start blowing through the region by Tuesday night, with gusts up to 70 mph expected near the coast. In conjunction with the high rainfall amounts, the strong winds could cause power outages, especially along the Northern California coastline. The National Weather Service has issued a high-wind warning with caution, instructing people to be aware of the possibilities of downed trees and power lines. Waves could build up to 30 feet along the coast, with side effects from "sneaker waves," which are larger-than-normal waves that can appear unexpectedly.

Heavy snowfall is expected for those in higher elevations. Mount Shasta in Northern California can expect up to 6 feet of snow by Thursday. Warming temperatures ahead of the storm may also result in snowmelt that could worsen the flooding risk.

What’s Ahead ?

The atmospheric river is forecast to linger through the week, with its heaviest effects concentrated from the Oregon-California border southward. By the weekend, heavy rain is expected to spread into central and southern California, continuing to pose risks to urban and mountain areas alike.

This storm, driven by the bomb cyclone, could reach a Level 4 or 5 on the severity scale, with the potential for widespread disruptions from flooding, snow, and high winds.