Bomb Cyclone in US Northwest Leaves Two Dead and Half Million Without Power

A powerful storm struck the US Northwest, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, resulting in extensive power outages, school closures, and falling trees that claimed two lives. The Weather Prediction Center issued warnings for excessive rainfall and hurricane-force winds as a strong atmospheric river—a large plume of moisture—impacted the region. The storm, which began on Tuesday, is being described as a “bomb cyclone” due to its rapid intensification.
With tropical-storm-force winds reaching 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts around 70 mph, the storm caused power outages for more than 600,000 homes and businesses across Washington, southwest Oregon, and northern California. Flood watches have been extended in Northern California until Saturday, with authorities continuing to monitor the severe weather conditions.