Bomb Cyclone Devastates US North-West and Canada

 Bomb Cyclone Devastates US North-West and Canada

A powerful bomb cyclone has struck the US north-west and western Canada, causing extensive damage and widespread disruptions. The storm, driven by rapidly dropping air pressure, has brought high winds, heavy rain, and snow to over seven million residents.

In Seattle, two women tragically lost their lives due to fallen trees. One was killed while showering at home, and another in a homeless encampment. The storm has knocked down trees into buildings and roadways, causing power outages for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.

Rescue operations are ongoing as officials advise residents to stay indoors and away from windows. The storm has also impacted northern California, where severe rainfall has led to flash flooding and mudslide warnings.

Wind gusts up to 100 mph have been reported in British Columbia, leaving 140,000 customers without power. While conditions are expected to ease slightly, heavy rain and potential flooding remain a threat.

As the week progresses, melting snow combined with additional rain is likely to cause severe flooding and landslides, particularly in high elevation areas.

What is a bomb cyclone?

Bomb cyclone is a term given by meteorologists to a storm that appears to intensify rapidly, with its central air pressure dropping to at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.

They are referred to as bomb cyclones due to the explosive power of these storms caused by the rapid fall in pressure.

The storm brings with it an array of weather, ranging from blizzards to severe thunderstorms to heavy precipitation.

These weather events are not unusual for this time of year.

Similar so-called atmospheric river events- when small regions of moisture travel outside tropical regions - have occurred throughout North America over the last few weeks.

But the conditions of an atmospheric river combined with a bomb cyclone can create a major weather event.