A person recording downed power lines during a storm in Seattle, Wash., on Tuesday.Credit…Jennifer Buchanan/The Seattle Times, via Associated Press
Storm Devastates Washington State: Power Outages, Fatality, and Threats Loom for Oregon and California
A powerful storm system wreaked havoc across Washington State on Tuesday, November 20, 2024, leaving at least one person dead and nearly 650,000 residents without electricity. The devastating weather is now intensifying as it moves south, bringing heavy rain, snow, and potential flooding to Oregon and California.
The storm, fueled by an atmospheric river—a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture from the Pacific Ocean—has combined with a bomb cyclone. This phenomenon, characterized by a sudden and intense drop in atmospheric pressure, is unleashing life-threatening winds, torrential rain, and massive ocean waves across the West Coast.
By early Wednesday, heavy rain drenched California’s Bay Area, and forecasters warned it could last for several days. In regions north of Interstate 80, rainfall may exceed an entire month’s average in just three to four days. Northern California’s higher elevations are experiencing dangerous snowfall, making travel conditions treacherous. Similar hazards are being reported in Oregon, particularly near the California border, where wind and snow are creating perilous travel conditions.
In Washington State, the storm’s impact was immediate and catastrophic. Gusts reached hurricane strength at up to 77 mph, toppling trees and power lines. A tragic incident in Lynnwood claimed the life of a woman in her 50s when a large tree fell on a homeless encampment. In Seattle, another person narrowly escaped death when their vehicle was crushed by a falling tree. Emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the chaos, urging residents to stay indoors as the winds battered the region until early Wednesday morning.
Electricity outages added to the misery. PowerOutage.us reported that about 650,000 customers in Washington were left in the dark. The blackout even disrupted radio transmissions at the National Weather Service’s Seattle office.
As the storm barreled southward, Northern California began facing its own challenges. Approximately 27,000 residents were already without power by Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service issued numerous warnings, including winter storm and blizzard alerts for the Cascade Mountains and surrounding areas. High wind warnings and flood watches are in effect across Oregon and parts of Northern California, with the potential for severe flooding through Friday.
In Siskiyou County, California, officials issued a backcountry avalanche warning, effective until Thursday afternoon. The region is bracing for heavy snowfall and treacherous conditions that could make rescue efforts difficult.
The storm’s impact on transportation has been significant. Amtrak canceled multiple train services between Seattle, Oakland, Portland, and Spokane through Thursday. Authorities have advised against travel in affected areas, urging caution and preparedness.
Forecasters predict this extreme weather system will persist through the week, with the potential for additional fatalities and damage. Emergency management teams across the West Coast are on high alert, working to address the widespread disruptions and protect vulnerable communities.
As heavy rain continues to pound California and snowfall accumulates in higher elevations, residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed official warnings. The West Coast faces days of uncertainty as the storm’s full impact unfolds.
#WestCoastStorm #AtmosphericRiver #BombCyclone #SevereWeather #StormAlert