Major Storm Sweeps Across Northwest US, Causes Widespread Power Outages and Damage
Severe Weather Conditions
A major storm swept across the northwest US, battering the region with strong winds and rain, causing widespread power outages and downing trees that killed at least one person. The Weather Prediction Center issued excessive rainfall risks through Friday and hurricane-force wind warnings were in effect as the strongest atmospheric river overwhelmed the region.
Rainfall and Snowfall Expectations
Rainfall of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) was expected over far northern California and far southwest Oregon into Friday, with the intensity expected to peak Thursday. Heavy, wet snow was expected to continue along the Cascades and in parts of far northern California, with forecasters warning of blizzard and whiteout conditions and near impossible travel at pass level due to accumulation rates of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) per hour and wind gusts of up to 65 mph (105 kph).
Power Outages and Tree Damage
Falling trees struck homes and littered roads across northwest Washington. In Lynnwood, Washington, a woman died Tuesday night when a large tree fell on a homeless encampment. In Seattle, a tree fell onto a vehicle, temporarily trapping a person inside. Over 600,000 houses in Washington State were reported to be without power on poweroutage.us, with more than 3,000 reported to be without power in Oregon and more than 15,000 in California as of Wednesday morning.
Photos of Damage
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Weather Warnings and Alerts
The national Weather Service warned people on the West Coast about the danger of trees during high winds, posting on X, “Stay safe by avoiding exterior rooms and windows and by using caution when driving.” Flood and high wind watches were in effect in northern California, with up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain predicted for parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, North Coast, and Sacramento Valley. A winter storm watch was issued for the northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet (1,066 meters), where 15 inches (28 centimeters) of snow was possible over two days.
Conclusion
The major storm that swept across the northwest US has caused widespread power outages, damage, and even loss of life. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe, including avoiding exterior rooms and windows, and using caution when driving. The National Weather Service has issued several warnings and alerts, and residents are urged to monitor weather updates for the latest information.
FAQs
Q: What caused the storm?
A: The storm was caused by a strong atmospheric river that brought heavy rain and wind to the region.
Q: How many people were affected by the storm?
A: Over 600,000 houses in Washington State were reported to be without power, with more than 3,000 reported to be without power in Oregon and more than 15,000 in California as of Wednesday morning.
Q: How many people were injured or killed by the storm?
A: At least one person was killed by a falling tree, and several others were injured.
Q: What was the impact of the storm on transportation?
A: The storm caused rough winds and seas to halt a ferry route in northwestern Washington, and travel across passes was difficult or impossible due to heavy snow and wind.
