A powerful storm hit Northern California, causing widespread damage with record rainfall and fallen trees. The storm also brought heavy snow and rain to the Pacific Northwest, leaving two people dead and hundreds of thousands without power. The National Weather Service issued warnings for flash flooding and rockslides, with flight cancellations at San Francisco’s airport.
In Washington, over 320,000 people were still without power, mainly in the Seattle area, as crews worked to clear debris. The storm, described as a “bomb cyclone,” unleashed strong winds that resulted in downed trees and damaged homes. Warming centers were opened in communities to provide shelter and charging stations for those affected.
The storm extended into the East Coast, providing much-needed rain to areas like New York and New Jersey, where wildfires have been a concern. The rain could help ease the fire danger in the region. In California, rainfall records were broken, with some areas receiving up to 16 inches of rain.
The storm caused small landslides and road closures, with the risk of flash flooding and rockslides remaining high. Officials warned of debris flows, especially in areas where wildfires had loosened the hillsides. Despite the heavy rain, the ground in some areas was able to absorb the water, preventing major flooding.
The storm intensified rapidly, reaching “bomb cyclone” status as it moved through the Pacific Northwest. Snowfall was expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains, with blizzard conditions and difficult travel at higher elevations. Falling trees and power outages were reported in Washington, causing fatalities and property damage.
Residents in affected areas were left cleaning up debris and assessing the damage caused by the storm. Power outages and transportation disruptions were widespread, with delays and cancellations at airports and road closures due to flooding and snow. The rain brought relief to drought-stricken areas in the Northeast, but more precipitation would be needed to fully alleviate the drought conditions.
Overall, the storm brought significant challenges to Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Stay tuned for updates on the aftermath of the storm and recovery efforts in the affected regions.
