An unprecedented storm is forecasted to hit the West Coast, bringing with it fierce winds, massive waves, and a quickly strengthening cyclone. The National Weather Service has issued urgent alerts due to the impending danger on the waters.
A powerful bomb cyclone is forming off the West Coast, threatening to bring heavy rain, snow, and fierce winds through the week. Meteorologists are raising concerns as the storm undergoes rapid intensification, known as bombogenesis.
By Tuesday, November 19, the storm’s pressure is expected to fall by at least 24 millibars within a 24-hour period. This rapid intensification means the storm could be severe, bringing stronger effects than typical ones.
The bomb cyclone will unleash a long-lasting atmospheric river, sending moisture-heavy rain and snow to Northern California and parts of Oregon. Expect flooding rain and feet of snow in the mountains.
The worst storm will be felt from Tuesday through Friday, with impacts possibly extending into Saturday.
Residents in these areas have been warned to prepare for challenging conditions as the storm intensifies.
Northern California and southwest Oregon will experience the heaviest rainfall, with some areas expecting 8 to 12 inches, possibly up to 15 inches. Western Oregon and Washington will see 1 to 5 inches, with the heaviest amounts along the coast and foothills.
The rain could cause flooding in areas with poor drainage and potentially cause rivers and creeks to overflow. Mudslides remain a concern, especially near recent wildfire burn zones. Rock slides are also possible along mountain roads.
The storm will dump feet of snow in the higher elevations of the Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains. Snow levels will rise throughout the week, creating difficult travel conditions, especially on mountain passes. Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 in Washington and Siskiyou Pass on Interstate 5 near the Oregon-California border will be particularly affected.
The strongest winds are expected late Tuesday through early Wednesday, with gusts over 60 to 70 mph along the coast in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington.
Stronger gusts will also affect inland areas, including the Cascades and foothills. Power outages and fallen trees are possible. After the peak winds pass, gusty conditions will persist for the rest of the week.
The National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings and advisories as a powerful bomb cyclone moves into the region. The storm is expected to bring a mix of heavy rain, snow, and fierce winds, creating hazardous conditions across the area.
The small craft advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. PST Tuesday. Mariners have been warned of southwest winds ranging from 10 to 20 knots, gusting up to 30 knots, with seas reaching 13 to 14 feet. Mariners are strongly advised to stay in port or take extra precautions to secure their vessels for these severe conditions.
The Storm Warning is in effect from 9 a.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. PST Wednesday, where the storm will bring dangerous south winds between 30 to 50 knots, with gusts peaking at 70 knots.
The rough seas will build to between 21 to 26 feet, posing a serious risk to vessels and reducing visibility. Mariners should be prepared to alter course or secure their vessels to avoid potential damage.
In the mean time, the hazardous seas warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. PST Tuesday. Expect very steep, hazardous seas ranging from 13 to 17 feet at 14-second intervals, along with southwest winds around 15 knots.
From 10 a.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. PST Wednesday, the storm will intensify further, bringing seas of 21 to 26 feet and winds gusting up to 60 knots. Mariners are urged to prepare for these severe conditions and consider staying in port or finding safe shelter.
Additionally, recreational boaters have been warned to avoid venturing out to sea, while commercial vessels must prepare for extremely strong winds and hazardous seas. The best course of action is to remain in port until conditions improve.
A bomb cyclone is a rapidly intensifying extratropical cyclone. It forms when the storm’s central pressure drops by at least 1 hPa per hour over 24 hours, creating a rapid and intense pressure drop.
This phenomenon is most common during the cold season, typically found about 750 km downstream from a mobile 500-hPa trough. It leads to a powerful and dangerous system capable of bringing significant impacts to maritime regions.
With such severe warnings in place, mariners across the West Coast should take immediate action to protect life and property as this bomb cyclone intensifies.