Two severe storms hit the Pacific Northwest, leaving over 500,000 homes without power and causing two fatalities near Seattle. The storms, described as a “bomb cyclone,” brought high winds, rain, snow, fallen trees, and downed power lines. In eastern Washington, residents were advised to travel cautiously due to snow, freezing rain, and blizzard conditions.
A woman in Lynnwood and a woman in Bellevue were killed by falling trees during the storms. Cars were smashed, a public bus was hit, and power lines and trees were knocked down throughout the region. More than 700,000 homes and businesses lost power in Washington, with over 300,000 still without power by late Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters rescued two people trapped under a fallen tree in their trailer.
California was also hit by the storm, with extreme rainfall predicted in the northern parts of the state, leading to concerns about flash flooding and landslides. Climate change is believed to be enhancing the impact of such storms, with warmer temperatures leading to more intense rainfall and increased flood risks.
Canada experienced strong winds as well, with gusts comparable to those of a Category 2 hurricane. The storm off the Northwest coast is expected to amplify the atmospheric river effect, causing further disruptions. The National Weather Service warned of continued heavy rain in Northern California, the Sierra Nevada, and the North Bay areas of San Francisco.
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