Residents of northern California, Oregon, and Washington are bracing for a fearsome meteorological event predicted to unleash hurricane-force winds, devastating floods, and blizzard-like snow.
An expected "bomb cyclone" coupled with a Category 5 atmospheric river is set to impact these areas beginning Tuesday afternoon, posing severe risks throughout the week, Daily Mail reported.
The National Weather Service has issued a high-level alert due to the imminent arrival of this rare and rapidly intensifying storm, which is likely to cause significant disruptions and hazardous conditions across the Pacific Northwest. The bomb cyclone phenomenon involves a mid-latitude storm where atmospheric pressure plummets sharply, in this case, by nearly 70 millibars over 24 hours, akin to the force seen in a Category 4 hurricane.
Meteorologist Ryan Maue emphasized the extraordinary nature of this storm, predicting central pressures that will draw comparisons to some of the fiercest hurricanes. "The central pressure of this bomb cyclone will fall almost 70 millibars in 24 hours, reaching pressure levels similar to that of a Category 4 hurricane," explained Maue. This rapid intensification signals not just a potent storm but an exceptionally dangerous one as well.
An atmospheric river, on the other hand, transports vast amounts of moisture from the ocean inland. Category 5, the highest classification, indicates an extreme level of moisture and energy, enhancing the storm's capability to cause significant snowfall and heavy rains. Areas from northern California to southwest Oregon are particularly vulnerable to the consequential heavy rains which could exceed 20 inches in mountainous regions, leading to probable flooding and landslides.
With the storm predicted to deliver wind gusts of up to 70 mph, authorities have urged residents to secure shelter, particularly in structures designed to withstand such impacts, steering clear of weaker buildings like mobile homes. Beyond the wind and rainfall, the anticipated heavy and sustained snowfall across higher elevations could paralyze travel and disrupt daily activities significantly.
As the storm system develops, high winds are expected to hit first by Tuesday, forecasting a perilous scenario that could result in widespread power outages and fallen trees. Ian Livingston, a forecaster for the Washington Post, commented on the moving pattern of the storm: "Heading into Wednesday, the atmospheric river will probably shift its focus slowly southward from southern Oregon into Northern California."
In regions with recent burns, the storm poses an additional threat. The soil in these areas, scorched by wildfires, is likely impermeable and water-resistant, similar to pavement, which enhances the risk of flooding. "Burned soil tends to repel water rather than absorb it, much like pavement, raising serious concerns about flash flooding and debris flows in these susceptible regions," added Maue.
Mountain passes could witness feet of snow, complicating or even halting travel and transportation through these arteries crucial for regional connectivity. Livingston also noted the probable extension of disruptive weather into the later part of the week, stating, "Toward the end of the week and into the weekend, rain and high-elevation snow could shift toward central or Southern California."
The storm's progression is not only rare but historical in its scope. Maue pointed out the large impact of the released precipitation, which he quantified in staggering totals: "The mega bomb cyclone and climate-fueled atmospheric river will dump eight trillion gallons of precipitation on California, five trillion on Oregon, three trillion on Washington, and 2.5 trillion on Idaho - totaling almost 20 trillion gallons across these four states." Such figures underscore not only the storm's potential breadth but also its intensifying nature amidst changing global climate conditions.
This forthcoming severe weather event demands immediate attention and comprehensive preparation from residents of the affected states. As conditions evolve, staying informed and adhering to local advisories will be key in mitigating the storm's life-threatening impacts.
