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Bomb Cyclone Deepens to 940 mb, Threatens Pacific Northwest With Hurricane Winds and Flood Risk

Nov 19, 2024, 05:13 PM

A powerful Pacific storm, known as a bomb cyclone, is rapidly intensifying off the coast of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, with central pressure dropping to around 940 millibars—equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds up to 80 mph, wave heights reaching 30 to 40 feet, and heavy rainfall, potentially causing floods, landslides, and power outages. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for parts of Northern California, including the North Bay, where rainfall totals could reach up to 15 inches in some areas. Blizzard warnings are in effect for the Cascades due to heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. The storm has intensified so quickly that it is considered a bomb cyclone, defined as a rapidly deepening low-pressure system. Associated with a strong atmospheric river, the storm is channeling deep moisture into the region, leading to a high risk of flash flooding along the north coast of California. Travel disruptions, including ferry cancellations and hazardous driving conditions, are anticipated.