Bomb Cyclone Slams Pacific Northwest: Power Outages, High Winds, and Blizzard Warnings
The Pacific Northwest faced a powerful bomb cyclone this week, delivering blizzard-like conditions, erratic winds, and widespread power outages.
A Storm Like No Other
The storm, classified as a bomb cyclone due to its rapid pressure drop—an astonishing 60 millibars in 24 hours—began forming over the Pacific Ocean during the weekend. Lynn McMurdie, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, observed the pressure levels drop dramatically at offshore buoys.
“I kept going: ‘Oh, it’s dropping quite a lot,’” McMurdie remarked.
To qualify as a bomb cyclone, a storm must drop at least 24 millibars within 24 hours, making this system exceptionally intense.
Power Outages and Fierce Winds
By Tuesday evening, the storm wreaked havoc across Western Washington:
- 76,000 customers in Seattle lost power, with 450,000 outages reported statewide.
- Winds gusted up to 50 mph at SeaTac Airport, with sustained winds of 20–30 mph across the region.
Blizzard Warnings in the Cascades
Heavy snow and strong winds created dangerous conditions in the Cascades, prompting a blizzard warning. Skiers and travelers were cautioned about:
- Avalanche risks, heightened by heavy snow and strong winds.
- Treacherous travel in mountain passes, which could see 3–12 inches of fresh snow.
“This is a perfect recipe for avalanches,” said Dallas Glass, deputy director of the Northwest Avalanche Center.
What’s Next? Another Bomb Cyclone on the Horizon
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a second low-pressure system that could strike by late Thursday or Friday. This storm may develop further north and bring even stronger effects to Puget Sound and surrounding areas.
Travel and Safety Warnings
- Mountain waves from the Cascades could create turbulence and gusts affecting air traffic.
- Drivers are advised to avoid mountain passes due to low visibility and hazardous conditions.
- Power restoration efforts continue as strong winds persist.
The storm’s strength and potential repeat systems are unusual for the region, resembling the more ferocious storms of the Atlantic. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as the Pacific Northwest faces this rare weather phenomenon.
