Severe weather warnings as a "bomb cyclone" threatens parts of the U.S., causing disruptions and safety concerns.

 A "bomb cyclone" is currently causing severe weather across the U.S. West Coast, particularly affecting Washington, Oregon, and California. This meteorological phenomenon involves a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure (24 millibars or more within 24 hours), creating intense storm conditions. The current event has merged with an atmospheric river, leading to widespread disruptions, including torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and heavy snow in mountainous areas.

Key impacts include:

1. Wind and Rain: Wind gusts exceeded 100 mph in some coastal areas, downing trees and power lines. Over 700,000 homes and businesses in Washington lost power, with additional outages reported in Oregon and California. Rainfall amounts of 12-16 inches have been forecast for parts of northern California, causing flash flood warnings.

2. Flooding and Rockslides: Urban and rural areas face significant flooding, with risks of landslides and debris flows in saturated regions. Northern California is particularly vulnerable, with major rivers and streams at high risk of breaching.

3. Blizzard Conditions: The Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountains are experiencing heavy snow and whiteout conditions, with snow accumulation rates of up to 3 inches per hour. Winds over 60 mph have made travel through these regions hazardous or impossible.

Authorities have issued safety advisories, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for power outages and potential evacuations. This event highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather patterns, often intensified by climate change.