Bomb Cyclone Intensifies Leaving One Dead in Washington

A deadly storm has swept through the Pacific Northwest, leaving one person dead and others injured. As the storm intensifies, experts warn the most dangerous impacts are still ahead.

A powerful storm with hurricane-like winds hit the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday, causing damage. The storm, called a “bomb cyclone,” is expected to cause massive ocean waves along the coast. It will also bring heavy rain to Northern California throughout the week, driven by an atmospheric river.

More than seven million people along the Pacific Coast are bracing for the storm’s wrath, which promises high winds, flooding, and snow. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), conditions began deteriorating on Tuesday and are expected to worsen as the week progresses.

This severe weather could lead to flash floods, rock slides, and debris flows in vulnerable areas. Mountain regions are also at risk of heavy snow and severe snowstorms with high winds.

On Tuesday night, the Bay Area started feeling the storm’s impact as an atmospheric river—a massive stream of Pacific moisture—brought heavy rainfall and powerful gusts. Forecasters predict up to a month’s worth of rain could fall over in the region in the next few days, raising concerns about severe flooding and disruptions.

Washington State was the first to feel the storm’s impact. Powerful winds toppled trees, knocking down power lines across the Seattle area. Hundreds of thousands were left in total blackout and many remained in the dark early Wednesday.

Tragedy struck in Lynnwood when a large tree fell on a homeless encampment, killing a woman in her 50s. The local fire department confirmed there were no other injuries in the incident.

In a separate event, emergency responders were called to Maple Valley, where a tree collapsed onto a trailer in the 22900 block of 184th Street. Two people inside the trailer were injured.

One was quickly rescued, but it took firefighters an hour to free the other resident, who was trapped in the debris. Both individuals were transported to local hospitals, though their conditions have not been disclosed.

Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, highlighted the storm’s extraordinary intensity. He stated it could bring nearly 20% of the region’s annual rainfall in just a few days.

Wednesday is expected to be the toughest day for the Bay Area, with heavy rain predicted for the North Bay and lighter showers to the south. Thursday will bring a brief break, but rain will return on Friday, with the heaviest downpours hitting southern San Francisco.

A rare “high risk” warning for excessive rainfall has been...